A big commitment

Pet ownership is a two-way street – our furry friends bring us companionship and loyalty so, in return, we need to make sure their needs are met too. PDSA vet nurse Joanne Wright comments: “Getting a pet is a big commitment, so it’s important to do plenty of research to make sure that you can provide everything they will need to live a long, happy and healthy life.

“This includes everything from their diet and exercise to vet bills and making sure you have enough free time to devote to them.

“Make sure you have enough space for your pet to run and play. Dogs need a secure outdoor space to explore and a warm, sheltered, safe home. Rabbits and guinea pigs should have access to a large run or garden, with a dry, secure shelter, while hamsters and gerbils need a spacious cage.

“All pets enjoy games and toys to keep them active. For smaller pets you can do this in your home, whereas dogs enjoy daily walks, with supervised off-lead time in a safe area. Cats like playing games which mimic the hunting skills they would use in the wild”.

“All pets are generally sociable towards

people. Dogs especially love our company and can become anxious if left alone too long, so we recommend not leaving them for longer than four hours at a time.

“The cost of keeping a pet for their lifetime can be expensive. The initial outlay for a puppy or kitten can be high but you’ll need to factor in ongoing costs such as food, equipment, toys, groomers, flea and worm treatments, pet insurance premiums and insurance excesses to name just a few!”

Joanne suggests finding out as much as possible about the pet you’re thinking of getting and adds: “It’s important to get your new pet from a reputable breeder or rescue centre.”