| Thinking of getting a pet, but not sure what type fits | | | | owning an exotic animal. |
| into your lifestyle? | | | | Small animals, such as birds, fish, or lizards, are |
| Pets come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. | | | | practical for smallliving quarters. |
| Do you like smallanimals that are easier to care for, | | | | Having a pet seems to help individuals obtain health |
| or medium to larger animals such as dogs,cats, etc? | | | | goals and provide healthbenefits, such as lowering |
| A pet can be adopted from an animal shelter or | | | | blood pressure and relieving stress, in particularthe |
| purchased from apet store or private breeder. A fast | | | | elderly, giving them someone to take care of and |
| developing source is online pet adoptionthrough | | | | help lead a longer,healthier life. Even individuals residing |
| not-for-profit websites. These service sites have | | | | in a long-term care facility, suchas a hospice or |
| searchabledatabases of pets, maintained by | | | | nursing home, experience health benefits from pets. |
| thousands of animals shelters, and aresearchable by | | | | Pets can bring happiness, enrich our lives and provide |
| the public. | | | | delightfulcompanionship. Walking your pet dog can |
| Some factors to consider when choosing a pet: | | | | also provide exercise and fresh air. |
| * How much space is available for the pet to live. | | | | Acquiring a pet can be rewarding, but it is also a big |
| * How much will your budget allow for expenses | | | | decision whichrequires time, money, and commitment. |
| (food, veterinary care, etc). | | | | Different pets require varying amountsof attention |
| * How much time you are willing to spend and care | | | | and care. |
| for a pet. | | | | Recommended 5 Freedoms of animal welfare: |
| * Can you have a pet where you live? | | | | I. Freedom from discomfort due to environment. |
| * How big will the pet grow to be? | | | | II. Freedom from pain, injury and disease. |
| The two most popular pets are Cats and Dogs. Next | | | | III. Freedom to express normal behavior for the |
| are freshwater fish andbirds. Other popular pets are | | | | species. |
| Rabbits and Hamsters...Guinea Pigs...Turtles... | | | | IV. Freedom from fear and distress. |
| Lizards...Mice...Ferrets...Snakes...Iguanas...Gerbils. | | | | V. Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition. |
| Exotic birds such as Parrots, Cockatoos and | | | | 'Responsibility' is the key word to keep in mind when |
| Cockatiels are also becomingincreasingly more popular | | | | adopting a pet. |
| as pets. Some cities and towns may restrict orforbid | | | | |