Taking any pet into a home to become part of a family can be hugely rewarding.  Special bonds are forged as respect and friendship are learnt and nurtured.  However, allowing any pet to share your home is a huge undertaking that requires careful consideration. All pets require time, money and commitment so it’s important to be honest with yourselves about how much you have of each.

All pets have basic needs as detailed in the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The five animal welfare needs are:-

Behaviour
Your pet should be allowed to express it’s normal behavioural patterns depending on the species and breed

Companionship
Your pet should be housed on its own or with other animals as per the suitability of the species or breed

Diet
Your pet has a need to be fed a healthy and consistent diet, including clean, fresh water

Environment
Your pet should be provided with a suitable place to live that allows a safe environment with room to move

Health
Your pet has a right to be treated properly for illness and injury

It is the responsibility of all pet owners to understand the needs of their pet and to ensure they remain healthy and loved throughout their lives.  Behavioural problems should be understood and preventive measures put in place.  Only when all pet owners take responsibility will all pets be raised to become pleasant, well behaved companions for owners and society members.

Choice of pet
It is advisable for prospective pet owners to carefully consider all factors before they select a pet that would best suit their lifestyles and perceived needs. Wrong choices can lead to pets having inappropriate behaviour which often result in pets being abandoned, sent to animal shelters or returned to breeders or the original owners.

If you are considering getting a pet but are not sure which species or breed would best suit your needs, please see our Which Pet for me? section.  Or if you just require a reminder of some of the main considerations, click onto your preferred pet choice below:-

Dogs
Cats
Small Animals
Fish
Birds
Reptiles
Horses
Insects and Arachnids