There are many benefits to keeping a pet, but you should remember that looking after an animal can also be very demanding and is not something that should be taken on without a lot of thought and consideration.
Things to consider before getting a pet
We have listed here some of the points to think about before making this important decision. You may also find it useful to talk to a family member, friend or neighbour who already has a pet, for their advice.
Different types of pets require different levels of care so it might be an idea to get a pet that suits your lifestyle. For example, a dog needs regular exercise, birds and small animals have to be cleaned out regularly, whereas cats need little more than regular meals and affection.
- Companionship - Having a pet means that you will always have company. Although it may not be the same as having another person in the house, it can be a very good substitute.
- Exercise - If you have a dog, this will help to keep you active as they need exercising every day. It may also help you to meet new people, as you will usually see other dog owners walking their pets. If you already have a dog and you are finding it difficult to look after, there are organisations that may be able to help.
- Health benefits - Research has shown that having a pet can be beneficial to your health. Pet owners have been found to suffer less from headaches, colds and hay fever, and having a pet can also help to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol. Pet owners also say that they suffer less from stress and depression, and it is thought that having a pet can help people to cope better with bereavement.
- Cost - You should always take into consideration that pets can be expensive to care for. Pet food can be fairly cheap, but there are other costs involved such as healthcare. Over the course of a lifetime it can cost £16,000 - £31,000 to care for a dog, around £17,000 for a cat and about £9,000 for a rabbit.
- As well as the benefits for yourself, remember that by having a pet you are giving a home to an animal that could otherwise be living in an animal shelter or be stray.
Microchipping your pet
From April 2016, all dogs will need to be microchipped by law. A microchip is a small electronic chip that is implanted under your dog’s skin. Each microchip has a unique 15 digit number which is revealed when scanned by a microchip reader.Anyone who doesn’t have their dog microchipped by April 6th 2016 will have 21 days to do so or may face a penalty fine of up to £500.
Where to get a pet?
If you have decided to get a pet, there are several ways of going about it. You could visit your local animal shelter, look at the advertisements in your local paper, or go to a pet shop.Help with looking after a pet
Practical help
As you get older you may find that it becomes more difficult to look after your pet. There are some organisations that can help by walking your dog or buying pet food if you are housebound. They can also take your animal to the vet if you are unable to do this yourself.
Cinnamon Trust works with elderly and terminally ill people and their pets to try to keep them together for as long as possible. Volunteers can assist with the practical day to day care of pets, for example by walking dogs, helping with transport, feeding, grooming, medication etc. The trust also provides short term foster care for pets who’s owners face a spell in hospital. The trust also produces a guide to Pet Friendly Care Homes.
Dogs Trust is a charity that looks after stray and abandoned dogs in the UK. They have recently launched the 'Canine Care Card' , which is a free service to give you peace of mind that the Dogs Trust will look after your dog in the event of your death. They will find your dog a new home, or if this is not possible they will look after it for the rest of it's life.
Financial help
PDSA PetAid Hospital provides free veterinary care for owners who can't afford private vet fees. This includes treatment for all popular domestic pets, such as dogs, cats, rabbits and hamsters.To qualify for help from the PDSA, you must live within the catchment area of a PDSA PetAid hospital or practice, and you must be in receipt of either Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.
Taking your pet on holiday
If you are going on holiday in the UK and you want to take your pet with you, visit the Doggie Pubs website for details of suitable pubs and accommodation.If you want to take your pet abroad, the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is a system that allows dogs, cats and ferrets into EU countries without the need for quarantine. Contact the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for more information.
Lost Pets
If your pet has gone missing you can check with the local Dog Warden at Newcastle City Council to see if you dog has been found. If so, it will be held at the Dog and Cat Shelter for 7 days.Reporting a stray or injured animal
If you come across an injured animal, or you are concerned about an animal that appears to be stray, you can take them to your local shelter where they will either be re-homed or reunited with their owner. You can also report stray pets to Newcastle City Council.Measures to take to keep your dog safe
- Make sure your dog is microchipped - and/or ear tattooed. Keep your microchip details updated.
- Ensure your dog has a collar and tag, with your name/ address details clearly inscribed.
- Try not to let your dog go out of sight when walking.
- Keep your dog in view in the garden and never leave it alone there when you go out. Make sure garden fences are high enough and gates secure.
- Never leave your dog tethered outside shops, libraries, toilets etc.
- Don't leave your dog unattended in a parked car.
- Think carefully about letting unaccompanied youngsters walk your dog.
- Keep clear, recent photographs of your dog. Record any unusual or distinguishing features.
Dog Lost has details of lost and found dogs and may be able to help reunite you with your missing pet.
Pets in sheltered accommodation and care homes
Moving into sheltered accommodation or a care home is a huge decision and there are many things to consider before you leave your home. If you have a pet, you may decide that you can no longer cope with looking after it. If this is the case you may have a friend or relative who is willing to adopt it. If not, you can take your pet to an animal shelter where it will be re-homed.If you wish to take your pet with you to your new home, you must ensure that they accept pets. FirstStop - Advice for older people has details of sheltered accommodation schemes and care homes that are ‘pet-friendly’.
Cinnamon Trust also has a Pet Friendly Care Homes Register.
Alternatives to having a pet
Once you have considered the options, you may have decided that keeping a pet would not be suitable for you. There may be other ways that you can have contact with animals, or can help to care for them.Sponsorship
It is possible to help an animal through sponsorship. You could sponsor a kennel at your local animal shelter or ‘adopt’ an animal such as a donkey, horse or even an elephant through a charity. You will usually receive photographs and updates about your adopted animal and it is a great way to help without having the responsibility of the practical care.Volunteering
If you have some time to spare, you could volunteer to help out at your local animal shelter or an animal charity. This might involve dog walking, cleaning kennels or grooming.
Information on this is to provide basic knowledge to help those you intend to do pet dog.
