Copyright 2010 Delmar Cengage Learning All Rights Reserved

Background of Pet Ownership • Animals domesticated for ~10, 000 years – Dogs probably

Questions to Ask before Pet Purchase • • • Where should I obtain a

Places to Obtain a Pet • • Pet shop Breeder Shelter Friend/neighbor Copyright 2010

Space Needed for a Pet • Activity level of pet is determining factor –

Proper Lifestyle for a Pet • Animals need differing amounts of space, time, and

Cost of a Pet • Purchase price is just initial cost • Ongoing costs

Future with a Pet • • Will the pet be cute, cuddly when mature?

Family Desire and a Pet • All family members should want the pet and

Owner Personality and a Pet • Pet and animal personalities should complement – Breeds

Status of Pet Ownership • Breeds fall in and out of fashion • Examples

Use of a Pet • Use particularly important with dog selection • Possible dog

Lessons of Pets for Children • • Responsibility Social skills Respect and compassion Coping

Benefits of Pets for the Elderly • • Lowered blood pressure Quicker illness recovery

Role of Euthanasia • Defined as death induced quickly and humanely • May be

Solution for Animal Overpopulation • Educate people about the problem • Pass animal control

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Background of Pet Ownership • Animals domesticated for ~10, 000 years – Dogs probably first, followed by cats • Pre-WWII, pets used for hunting, farming, show • Post-WWII, pets became companions – Millions now abandoned each year – America becoming “no-kill” nation Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 3

Questions to Ask before Pet Purchase • • • Where should I obtain a pet? How much space do I have for a pet? What kind of animal does my lifestyle allow? How much will the animal cost? What will the future bring? Does everyone in the family want a pet? What kind of personality do I have? Is this animal a fad or a status symbol? What am I going to use the animal for? Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 4

Space Needed for a Pet • Activity level of pet is determining factor – Active pet: Needs large or rural area – Inactive pet: Small area suffices • Owner should determine pet’s activity level before purchase/adoption Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 6

Proper Lifestyle for a Pet • Animals need differing amounts of space, time, and care – Dogs need daily exercise and grooming – Cats require little daily maintenance • Owner lifestyle should match pet needs – Hamsters or gerbils may suit where dogs or cats do not Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 7

Cost of a Pet • Purchase price is just initial cost • Ongoing costs include food, vet care, grooming, shelter, toys, taxes, insurance • Average annual costs – Dogs: $420 to $780 – Cats: $575 – Rabbits: $691 – Guinea pigs: $505 – Small mammals: $305 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 8

Future with a Pet • • Will the pet be cute, cuddly when mature? Can the family always afford the pet? Will the children abandon pet care? Can pets go with children into adulthood? Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 9

Family Desire and a Pet • All family members should want the pet and take responsibility for its care – Surprise or gift pets may become unwanted • Allergies are a determining factor – Allergies can preclude pet ownership – Proactive investigation can prevent disappointment in pet’s return Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 10

Owner Personality and a Pet • Pet and animal personalities should complement – Breeds often have consistent characteristics – Potential owners should study breeds • Pet personalities can vary by species and individual – Dogs range from docile to active and playful – Cats can be friendly or aloof – “Pocket pets” tend to offer owners control Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 11

Status of Pet Ownership • Breeds fall in and out of fashion • Examples of pets fallen out of vogue – Shar-Pei – Dalmation • Owners should thoroughly investigate breeds and assess them for suitability Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 12

Use of a Pet • Use particularly important with dog selection • Possible dog uses include hunting, tracking, herding, guarding • Matching breed with desired use enhances success • Pedigree can sometimes predict ability Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 13

Benefits of Pets for the Elderly • • Lowered blood pressure Quicker illness recovery Relief from life stressors Better overall health Fewer doctor’s visits Higher survival rates Better coping skills Companionship Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 15

Role of Euthanasia • Defined as death induced quickly and humanely • May be necessary option when pet: – No longer moves comfortably – Loses appetite or ability to eat – Fails to appreciate human companionship – Injures or threatens injury – Becomes riddled with pain – Requires unaffordable health care Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 16

Solution for Animal Overpopulation • Educate people about the problem • Pass animal control laws and enforce existing ones • Emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 17