The first thing to consider when buying a pet is where one is going to purchase or adopt their animal companion. While one can spend thousands of dollars at local pet stores or from breeders, I would highly recommend adopting many of the homeless pets available from shelters, breed rescue groups, or humane societies. Whenever one purchases or adopts an animal, I always find it helpful for the potential future animal guardians to spend time alone with their prospective feline or canine companions. Often within a short period of time, a guardian will know if the “chemistry” is right between animal and human.
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If purchasing a pure breed dog, it may be helpful to see the parents and/or siblings, as well as inquire about any genetic or developmental problems seen in the breeding lines. Whether adopted or purchased, many pets will come with some sort of warranty against the development of genetic or developmental diseases the first year or two of purchase. Many of these laws protecting the consumer will vary by state and location. Your prospective animal companion should be bright eyed with a shiny coat free of dander or oily film. If you fall in love with a puppy or kitten with an upper respiratory infection or kennel cough type syndrome, it is best you wait until the condition is completely resolved with medication before taking that cute puppy or kitty home. |
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Many pets up for adoption or sale will usually already have been vaccinated, wormed and/or spayed/neutered. But if not, you can inquire about low cost spay/neuter and vaccination programs in your area. Usually most states will offer consumers a few week period after adoption or purchase, where a veterinary exam is recommended in order to pick up any potential genetic diseases of the knees, hips, and for detecting any possible future problems such as the finding of a heart murmur, hernias or other congential abnormalities, as well as any infectious diseases such as kennel cough, parasites or ear mites.
If such abnormalities are detected, than most states often protect the consumer in terms of covering the cost of treatment up to the price paid for the pet, as well as the option of returning the pet if desired. By paying attention to some of these issues, as well as getting a prompt veterinary exam within a few weeks of adopting or purchasing a pet, animal guardians can increase the likelihood of having companions who will live long and healthy lives.
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