There have always been pets in my family. Animals were important figures in my childhood: from the little yellow mutt that jumped in our car when we were driving cross country, to my cousin’s chickens, to the neighborhood cats that would often accompany me when I walked down to my best friend’s house down the street – they were constant, if changing, adored companions. Now I share my life with two cats, and two dogs, and a revolving cast of foster pets who stay with us just a while until they are ready to find their permanent homes through adoption from the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter where I work.Some things have certainly changed in a few decades. When I was growing up: cats did not come inside the house, dogs mostly lived outside, chickens were for eggs and meat, and rabbits lived in hutches. New pets were bought from someone across town, given as impulse gifts, or found in boxes that said “free puppies” outside the grocery store. They were not given: annual healthy pet veterinary visits, carefully selected (or even homemade) pet foods, dog training classes, canine play-dates, scratching posts, or even litter boxes! The pets of my childhood lived much shorter, harsher lives – often dying young from accidents or preventable illness.
I am grateful everyday at the changes in the way that pets are viewed these days, the better lives they lead, and the wonder and joy they continue to bring to the children who love them. When thinking about a new pet, how to plan for, where to find, and how to help your new pet settle in to your home are all important things to consider. Thinking such a decision through, as a family, instead of falling prey to an impulse that might bring an inappropriate pet into your lives will save a lot of stress and possible heartache. Having everyone involved in the conversation will help all family members to voice their hopes and needs related to a pet and to recognize their part in pet-care, before a new pet is a reality in the home.
Start by getting together and honestly discussing what everyone’s perfect pet would be. You might be surprised to find that one family member is afraid of a certain breed of dogs, or that another has very fond memories of a particular orange tabby cat from when they were small! Writing down everyone’s input sketches out a range of what pets will be most welcomed into your family. Then do some research as to what sort of care the pet that you are looking for is likely to need. Are they prone to any health issues, what are their grooming needs, how are they likely to get along with any current pets in your household – are all important questions. Seeking answers to these questions as a family again reinforces the feeling of joint action and commitment. Resources abound to help you with your questions: the local library, the Internet, to veterinarians, and your local shelter.
Your local Shelter is a vast storehouse of knowledge about pets and the care they need. A pet adopted from a shelter will already have been given much of the veterinary care that they need to begin their lives with you. The shelter pet will have been spayed or neutered, be up to date on their vaccinations, been microchipped, and have had a health exam. Few of the pets from my childhood had any of this basic health care! Pets who are spayed/neutered live longer healthier lives and cannot contribute to the pet overpopulation crisis that our community faces. Vaccinated pets are safe from many life-threatening illnesses. Microchipped pets have permanent identification which is their ticket home if they were ever to be lost.
Once your family has decided what sort of pet would best fit into your lives, it is time to make your house ready for the arrival by creating a safe secure place for them to slowly settle in. For a dog, crate training is way to give them a “room of their own”, or really a den. For a new cat, having a small, quiet room with all their needs available for the first days will help to create a perfect transition. Frequent, low-key visits by family members will welcome a new kitty in an appropriate, non-overwhelming way. Pocket pets (such as hamsters, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits) have special specific needs of their own. The best answer, once you are ready, though is to get out there and meet a number of pets. It often takes a while to find the right match! Everyone in the family should meet the pets and be part of the decision.
Visit your local Shelter, talk to them about who you are looking for. Go to local adoption fairs to meet a variety of pets there. Your new best friend is waiting to meet you! Instructional handouts on pet care, local trainers, and many other animal related issues can be obtained at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter 2200 7th Ave Santa Cruz. www.scanimalshelter.org
Jen Walker is the Volunteer Coordinator and Humane Educator at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. She is the grateful caretaker of two herding dog mixes, two indoor cats, and now and again fosters pets who are welcome guests in her home.
