Getting a pet is a big decision - the questions below will help you to get the right pet for you and the people you live with.
Issues to consider
Do you have enough time to devote to your pet?
All animals require time spent on them: this can include feeding them, cleaning out their cage, grooming them and exercising them.
If you do not have much time to spare, choose an animal that requires less input. For example, rabbits can require more time than a cat.
Can you afford a pet?
As well as the initial cost of the animal, you also need to consider the cost of housing, food, vet bills and the cost of boarding your animal if you go on holiday.
How well will your pet fit in with your family?
Are you looking for a pet that will fit in with everyone, or one that will bond with a specific member of your family?
Most animals, such as cats, may have a preference for one or two people but they will still be happy to be handled and stroked by everyone.
However, some animals such as parrots, are notorious for only bonding with one person and may even attack other members of your family and visitors to your house.
Do you have enough space for your new pet?
Animals come in all shapes and sizes and it is important to make sure that you have enough space to keep your pet. For example, a Great Dane will take up far more space than a Jack Russell.
What to do if you go into hospital
The most common option is to ask a family member, good neighbour or friend to help. If not, you may need to contact a local kennel or cattery - find details of these in your local telephone directory, or ask your local veterinary surgeon.
If you are worried about the cost of boarding your pet, please contact us.
The Cinnamon Trust (external website) is a charitable organisation who help find pet care for elderly people who have to go into hospital.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 states that pet owners are legally obliged to provide for their pet by providing:
- a proper diet, including fresh water.
- somewhere suitable to live.
- the ability to express normal behaviour.
- protection from and treatment of illness or injury.
- and for any need to be housed with or apart form animals to be met.
If you have any concerns about an animals welfare please contact Lewisham Animal Welfare or the RSPCA. |
Where to get your animal
Pet shops
Pets shops sell a diverse array of animals from kittens and puppies to reptiles, rabbits and birds. They are a convenient place to get an animal and usually the staff will be informed on what equipment you will need.
Do your research before going to buy your pet. That way you will know what to look for in your chosen animal and also what else you need to buy.
It is unlikely that a pet shop will be able to give you a detailed history of the animal that you are buying or give you an indication of its temperament. You are also unlikely to be able to view the parents of any of the animals that you buy.
Private breeders
There are now breeders for just about every type of animal. Private breeders are very good if you want to purchase a specific breed or an animal with specific characteristic, and good breeders promote the breeding of a good temperament.
Please be aware that not every breeder is reputable, and there are several things which you need to look for. With mammals such as dogs, cats and rabbits you should be able to view the mother with the babies.
The mother's temperament and condition will be a good indication of the offspring’s. If you can not see the mother you should be concerned, it may be that the young animals have been bred elsewhere and brought to the location for the purpose of selling.
The breeder should have all relevant paperwork to hand, and be happy to advise you with any queries that you have.
The animals should be well cared for, clean and active, although if you have viewed them just after being fed they are likely to be sleepy.
Some breeders may be affiliated to certain organisations which ensure that certain standards have been met in the breeding and rearing of the animal. For example a lot dog breeders are Kennel Club Accredited Breeders.
Rescue Centres
Rehoming an animal can be very rewarding, but as with any new animal it can be time consuming and require a lot of effort.
Rehoming a rescue animal also helps to promote the good work that many of these organisations do as well as giving an animal a much wanted and needed home.
At Lewisham Council we do not rehome animals, but we can put you in touch with organisations that do, and fortunately there are many organisations which rescue a wide variety of animals. See the external links column on the right.
So if you are looking for a dog or cat, guinea pig or rabbit, we should be able to put you in touch with someone that can help.
Rescue organisations usually try to match the right person to the right animal, so you are more likely to get an animal that is suited to your needs than if you were to purchase it from elsewhere.
Depending on the animal and its age they are usually spayed or neutered and have had at least some of their required vaccinations, thus saving you money.
Most organisations will require a donation in return for the animal.