Deciding what pet to get?
Select your new family member pet with your lifestyle and living situation in mind. For example, in some situations a particular breed may be too much for the owner to cope with or the pet may not be able to get the appropriate exercise. A few other things you may want to consider are the personality of the pet, as well as the temperament, size, and coat. Some breeds have traits that may be difficult in certain circumstances, such as hyper excitability, a tendency to bark, or working dogs requiring lots of exercise. Your veterinary surgeon is a valuable resource to discuss your needs and the needs of the pet.

How to decide who to get your pet from?
So you've decided what pet is right for you but your work is not yet done. Where you go to get your pet is just as important as what kind of pet you get.

Animal charities and rescue organisations
Animal charities and rescue organisations provide temporary homes for stray, surrendered, or abandoned pet animals. They most often house dogs and cats but frequently have other pets. The animal is kept at the shelter until it is reclaimed by the owner, adopted by a new owner, placed with another organisation, or in some circumstances they may need to be euthanised.

Please consider adopting your new pet from an animal charity or animal rescue organisation. It is the kind and responsible thing to do as the pets desperately need good homes.

Breeders
A responsible breeder is another source for a pure-bred, healthy pet. The breeder will carefully select the parents to emphasise desirable attributes and minimise faults in their progeny. Some people breed animals only to produce pets to sell – please do not support these breeders. These individuals are motivated solely by profit. Responsible breeders will never breed without considering the advancement and well being of the breed. Visit as many breeders as possible for your breed. Examine the premises to make sure they are clean and that the animals appear to be well cared for. Pets should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly, without any signs of illness such as runny nose or eyes, skin sores, or dirty ears or fleas. Good breeders will not over breed, don’t allow inbreeding, and nor will they keep the animals caged up.

Ask the breeder lots of questions and inspect every aspect of the conditions the pets are raised in.

Should you come across any unhealthy or inhumane conditions please report them to your nearest animal charity officer.

What type of pet suits your needs?
Deciding whether to get a dog, cat, rabbit or other type of pet can be difficult. Sometimes the pet “chooses” you and the decision is easily made – those special connections we always treasure!

Dogs - Breed Selection
There are two types of dogs--purebred and mixed breed (and mutts).

Typically the recognised purebred breeds are grouped into categories: hound, working, terrier, toy, sporting, non-sporting, and herding. There are thousands of mixed-breed combinations. Each purebred or mixed-breed dog has a unique personality. Dogs originally bred for a specific purpose tend to retain these characteristics. These dogs may require additional training and patience.

Selecting a specific breed does not guarantee a particular behaviour, but choosing offspring from animals with desirable temperaments does increase one's chances of getting the desirable traits in your pet.

Mixed breeds and mutts can be as beautiful, intelligent, loving, and as companionable as purebreds!

Friend or Protector?
Most dogs, even tiny ones, bark when strangers approach their home or yard. This bark is usually enough to deter intruders. A pet should not be trained as an attack dog. Attack-trained dogs require special handling and knowledge to prevent accidental injury to people, including members of your own family.

Cats
Working couples and retirees, as well as other families and singles, have discovered that cats are wonderful companions. Their entertaining antics and affectionate behaviours have endeared these animals to millions of owners.

Cats come in all colours and with all kinds of coats--short, long, or curly. Some cats are quiet and appear somewhat independent, but all cats need and want attention!

Most cats readily adapt to a variety of environments. As with dogs, there are purebreds and mixed breeds. Each breed has certain characteristics. Although every cat is unique, certain breeds tend to be more inquisitive, lively, placid, vocal, or gentle than others.

Rabbits and other small Pocket Pets
Working couples and retirees, as well as other families and singles, have discovered that rabbits and other small pocket pets are wonderful pets.

Each type of animal has unique qualities and there is always one to suit each person. Enjoy your new companion!