So, you’re looking to add on to your family, but you’re not sure what kind of pet is right for you. First thing to consider is how much free time you have to spend with it.
“Cats are a lot easier. All you have to do is feed them. They groom themselves,” says Lydia McGuire who is with SPCA of Tampa Bay.
While many shelters have plenty of adult cats and dogs available, many people look for puppies or kittens, but that’s also going to eat up a lot of time and patience, so be ready.
“Puppies and kittens tend to want to get into things, so that is something that will need to be monitored until they get training,” says McGuire.
If you’re looking to branch out, or maybe you want something different that a dog or a cat, the SPCA has tons of different animals to choose from.
For example, goats! The biggest thing to look out for with goats is to make sure they have space and make sure they’re allowed on property.
“You don’t want the police showing up saying you can’t have Gloria the goat,” says Jesus Hernandez with the SPCA.
The SPCA also has exotic animals like iguanas and bearded dragons, even bunnies and birds. The best thing you can do to prepare your family for any kind of pet is research.
“Do your research. Make sure you know what they eat because the thing you don’t want to do is get home and not know what your animal eats,” says Hernandez.
Most shelters will also let you go in and spend some time with the animal to see if you think it’s a right fit. If you already have a pet that will have to be introduced be sure to ask if you can bring it in with you as well.
