We are fortunate to live in a community that is committed to pet rescue. Some of the tips offered below may not apply in your area. However, check with local shelters and groups. They may have advice for you.
Food
Feeding your pet can be expensive, depending upon your food selection. Check manufacturers’ websites for coupons and rebate offers.
If you are struggling to feed your pet, talk with your local shelter and rescue groups. In our area, we have several groups that have pet food pantries.
Routine Shots and Vet Visits
It is important to find a good vet for your pet. The ideal vet will help you find ways to provide quality care within your budget. Most vets nowadays understand the dire financial circumstances in which some people find themselves.
That being said, if you simply cannot afford a routine vet exam, the minimum you should do is maintain your pet’s vaccination schedule. In our area, local shelters and rescue groups offer low-cost shot clinics.
If you live near a large university that has a veterinary medicine program, check with the university about free or low-cost clinics. It might be an affordable way to get your pet basic exams until you can get back on your feet financially.
A word or two about vaccinations: In recent years, vets are taking a more conservative approach toward vaccinations. You should discuss with your vet whether or not certain vaccines are needed. Your pet may not be in a high risk category. Rabies vaccines must be given on the recommended schedule, though; it is the law.
Spay/Neuter
In our area, we have a special clinic that performs low-cost spay/neuter. For low income families, it is free. Check with your local shelter or humane society about low-cost spay/neuter. You might be surprised to learn that you have affordable options.
Routine Medicines
Flea medicine is essential. Not only do you want to keep these beasts out of your home, they cause lots of problems for your pet. As mentioned in a previous blog, I use the best-quality medicine I can afford. I have found the cheap stuff is not effective. I also do not apply the medicine year-round. You may not be able to do this, depending upon your situation. It is something to consider.
Your vet will recommend heartworm medicine. It can be very expensive, especially if you have multiple and/or larger pets. The treatment for heartworms can be extremely expensive and is tough for your pet.
Let’s be honest here. I balked at the cost for years, thinking the risk was low. I finally came around, though, when my dogs had issues with whipworms. My vet explained that the heartworm medicine also combats other worms. From that day forward, I kept them on heartworm medicine year-round and never had any issues.
One last note: I do not give Kiki and Maddy heartworm medicine. They are strictly indoor cats. The odds are very, very slim that they will come in contact with mosquitoes. Discuss this decision with your vet, though. You may live in an area where the risk is much greater.
Gear
The key here is to shop around and look in unusual places. Here are some places where I have saved money:
Dollar Tree: I found a collapsible food/water bowl there for, yes, $1. It is not super fancy, but it is sturdy enough. It actually holds water better than the Outward Hound version I reviewed in an earlier blog.
Family Dollar: You can find stainless steel pet bowls for around $3 here. I prefer stainless steel because it is more durable and easier to clean than plastic. I worry about chemicals leaching from plastic into the food, but then I tend to obsess about those things.
Tractor Supply: This store carries farm supplies. They also have a decent selection of dog gear. Basic collars and leashes are cheaper here than at PetSmart. Keep that in mind, especially if you have a puppy who will go through several during the first year. If you have this particular chain store or one like it in your area, check it out. You might be surprised at what you find.
Wal-Mart: Their selection of pet toys grows each day. Gracie loves a $3 hedgehog I bought there. I also found other deals on their website. They will ship most products free to a store near you.
Lastly, consider making your own pet beds. If you can sew a rectangular pillow case, you can make a pet bed. I look in remnant bins at fabric and craft stores. For stuffing, you can go super cheap and buy a $7 bag of cedar shavings. (You could fill several beds with one bag.) You can also find use poly stuffing or buy a piece of foam.
As with other expenses in life, you have to do a little work to find the best deals. They are out there, though. Good luck!
Rescue Mommy
Showing posts with label pet ownership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet ownership. Show all posts
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The Costs of Pet Ownership - Part I
Before you consider adopting a pet, please review your economic situation. That statement may sound cold. It is not meant that way. Pets can be expensive. It would be irresponsible of me to not start the conversation this way. Let’s review some of the costs:
The Initial Purchase
Purchasing a purebred dog or cat from a responsible breeder is expensive. You could easily spend between $500 to $1,000 and more on the pet. If you go this route, I urge you to do the research and adopt from a responsible breeder. Puppy mills are despicable enterprises. Do not support them!
Please consider adopting a rescued pet. Believe it or not, shelters sometimes have purebred pets surrendered to them. Also, many breeds have rescue groups. If your heart is set on a particular breed, check the Internet for a rescue group.
A rescued pet is actually a bargain. At minimum, they have had their first set of shots. They have been spayed or neutered. Some rescue groups even negotiate with local vets to provide one free vet exam.
For example, when I adopted Gracie, she was up to date on all of her shots. She had been dewormed. She was spayed. The shelter implanted a microchip prior to her leaving. Her “welcome” packet included a coupon for a free grooming visit, a DVD on pet training, and coupons for food. They gave me a week’s supply of her current food, so I could transition her to a new food without tummy troubles.
If I had taken her to my vet for the shots, I estimate the cost at around $120. Having her spayed would have been another $300 to $400. Her adoption fee was $85. Let me repeat that - $85.
The Vet Visits
If you adopt a puppy or kitten, the first year is expensive. Both animals usually require at least two visits to the vet. Depending upon rates in your area, that can cost anywhere from $60 to $100 per visit.
Even if you adopt a puppy or kitten from a shelter, you still may need one visit to the vet for a set of booster shots. Also, please spay/neuter your pet, if it was not already altered before you got it.
If you adopt a pet who is more than one year old, he or she may have all of the required shots. A visit to the vet would still be a good idea so that you can double check for any problems.
The Gear
Here is a list of the basic essentials you will need:
Cats:
• Litter box, litter scoop, and kitty litter.
• Collar and tag.
• Two bowls – one for water, one for food
• Food
• Toys (lest your furniture be the toy)
Dogs:
• Collar and leash. Harness would be nice but not totally essential.
• Portable crate and bed
• Two bowls – one for water, one for food
• Toys (lest your shoes, furniture, carpet, et cetera, be the toy)
• Piddle Pads (every pet will have an accident; these work better than newspaper)
• Food
Again, this list only shows the bare necessities. You can easily spend a fortune on your pet.
In the next posting, I will discuss ways to save on all of the above.
Rescue Mommy
The Initial Purchase
Purchasing a purebred dog or cat from a responsible breeder is expensive. You could easily spend between $500 to $1,000 and more on the pet. If you go this route, I urge you to do the research and adopt from a responsible breeder. Puppy mills are despicable enterprises. Do not support them!
Please consider adopting a rescued pet. Believe it or not, shelters sometimes have purebred pets surrendered to them. Also, many breeds have rescue groups. If your heart is set on a particular breed, check the Internet for a rescue group.
A rescued pet is actually a bargain. At minimum, they have had their first set of shots. They have been spayed or neutered. Some rescue groups even negotiate with local vets to provide one free vet exam.
For example, when I adopted Gracie, she was up to date on all of her shots. She had been dewormed. She was spayed. The shelter implanted a microchip prior to her leaving. Her “welcome” packet included a coupon for a free grooming visit, a DVD on pet training, and coupons for food. They gave me a week’s supply of her current food, so I could transition her to a new food without tummy troubles.
If I had taken her to my vet for the shots, I estimate the cost at around $120. Having her spayed would have been another $300 to $400. Her adoption fee was $85. Let me repeat that - $85.
The Vet Visits
If you adopt a puppy or kitten, the first year is expensive. Both animals usually require at least two visits to the vet. Depending upon rates in your area, that can cost anywhere from $60 to $100 per visit.
Even if you adopt a puppy or kitten from a shelter, you still may need one visit to the vet for a set of booster shots. Also, please spay/neuter your pet, if it was not already altered before you got it.
If you adopt a pet who is more than one year old, he or she may have all of the required shots. A visit to the vet would still be a good idea so that you can double check for any problems.
The Gear
Here is a list of the basic essentials you will need:
Cats:
• Litter box, litter scoop, and kitty litter.
• Collar and tag.
• Two bowls – one for water, one for food
• Food
• Toys (lest your furniture be the toy)
Dogs:
• Collar and leash. Harness would be nice but not totally essential.
• Portable crate and bed
• Two bowls – one for water, one for food
• Toys (lest your shoes, furniture, carpet, et cetera, be the toy)
• Piddle Pads (every pet will have an accident; these work better than newspaper)
• Food
Again, this list only shows the bare necessities. You can easily spend a fortune on your pet.
In the next posting, I will discuss ways to save on all of the above.
Rescue Mommy
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Joys of Pet Ownership
It is 2:30 a.m. A fierce thunderstorm is raging outside. Flashes of lightning illuminate the bedroom. Thunder shakes the windows. Gracie is terrified.
She paces back and forth on the bed, panting and shaking. No matter what we do, nothing consoles her. Finally, she dives under the covers and claws her way to the foot of the bed. Occasionally, she pops out from under the covers and resumes her pacing routine on the bed. This little dance continues for the next hour.
It is 6:30 a.m. Kiki barfs a monstrous hairball near the bed. Gracie clamors to get off the bed, wanting to investigate. After many frantic shouts of “NOOOOO!!!” she desists and settles onto the bed.
It is 7:10 a.m. After an unsettled night’s sleep, I stumble into the living room. Gracie shows me that one of the cats has left a revenge poo-poo near her dog bed. Nice.
I wrestle with Gracie for a few minutes as I try to wiggle her into her harness. We go for our morning walk, which lasts almost an hour today. The storm has apparently washed away the pollen and exposed lots of fascinating smells. Also, Gracie must scold the evil dogs across the way for several minutes. She puffs her chest, snorts, and growls in her best Rottie imitation.
So, I ask you: are you truly ready to become a pet owner? The above is just a small glimpse of what you will experience. Yes, pets enrich our lives and bring so much joy. You also have to deal with the dirty, messy stuff, just as you do in your own life.
If you have a cat, kitty litter will be sprinkled throughout your house like magical fairy dust. Thanks to hairballs, cats barf more than dogs. Projectile vomiting seems to be their favorite way of doing it too. Last weekend, someone decided the living room curtains needed a “stripe.” Will it bother you to find random “presents” throughout your house?
If you have a dog, you must provide her with plenty of exercise and potty breaks. A consistent schedule reduces accidents – and destruction of the household. Are you prepared to stick to that schedule, even after a night I described above?
Pet ownership is a serious commitment. You are responsible for another life. We hardcore pet owners liken it to having children. Are you ready for the responsibility? If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, please review the blog this week.
Also, many pets are being surrendered because their owners can no longer afford them. In this week’s blog, we will discuss the costs and present some ideas that might help you keep your pet.
Please share your thoughts and suggestions after each posting.
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
She paces back and forth on the bed, panting and shaking. No matter what we do, nothing consoles her. Finally, she dives under the covers and claws her way to the foot of the bed. Occasionally, she pops out from under the covers and resumes her pacing routine on the bed. This little dance continues for the next hour.
It is 6:30 a.m. Kiki barfs a monstrous hairball near the bed. Gracie clamors to get off the bed, wanting to investigate. After many frantic shouts of “NOOOOO!!!” she desists and settles onto the bed.
It is 7:10 a.m. After an unsettled night’s sleep, I stumble into the living room. Gracie shows me that one of the cats has left a revenge poo-poo near her dog bed. Nice.
I wrestle with Gracie for a few minutes as I try to wiggle her into her harness. We go for our morning walk, which lasts almost an hour today. The storm has apparently washed away the pollen and exposed lots of fascinating smells. Also, Gracie must scold the evil dogs across the way for several minutes. She puffs her chest, snorts, and growls in her best Rottie imitation.
So, I ask you: are you truly ready to become a pet owner? The above is just a small glimpse of what you will experience. Yes, pets enrich our lives and bring so much joy. You also have to deal with the dirty, messy stuff, just as you do in your own life.
If you have a cat, kitty litter will be sprinkled throughout your house like magical fairy dust. Thanks to hairballs, cats barf more than dogs. Projectile vomiting seems to be their favorite way of doing it too. Last weekend, someone decided the living room curtains needed a “stripe.” Will it bother you to find random “presents” throughout your house?
If you have a dog, you must provide her with plenty of exercise and potty breaks. A consistent schedule reduces accidents – and destruction of the household. Are you prepared to stick to that schedule, even after a night I described above?
Pet ownership is a serious commitment. You are responsible for another life. We hardcore pet owners liken it to having children. Are you ready for the responsibility? If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, please review the blog this week.
Also, many pets are being surrendered because their owners can no longer afford them. In this week’s blog, we will discuss the costs and present some ideas that might help you keep your pet.
Please share your thoughts and suggestions after each posting.
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Real Joys & Sorrows of Pet Companions
This week, I have tried to explain the financial commitment required for pet companionship. I would like to end the series by discussing the joys and sorrows of having a pet companion.
You will experience love unlike that you know with humans. A pet genuinely does not care what kind of car your drive, what your job title is, what brand of cell phone you own, et cetera. A dog will be happy to see you, whether you have been gone five minutes or five hours. (Cats are less excited.)
They will listen to you ramble on and on about stupid stuff and generally do not roll their eyes at you. They will sit in your lap while you spend hours typing a silly little blog that no one may ever read. They want to be with you all the time, yet, interestingly, you will not feel the need to have a restraining order issued. They think you are the greatest person in the world.
They can also rip your heart to shreds when they pass. I was truly gutted when I lost Perdy and Dino. The most recent loss was Dino who fought an incredible battle against a nasty cancer for over a year. I cried myself to sleep and cried when I woke up each morning for a solid week after it happened. He was so brave and so sweet. My eyes are welling up as I type this. You never forget your pets.
And, yet, here Gracie sits in my lap. Pets fill a hole in our lives. They also force us to focus on something other than our silly concerns. If you can afford to have a pet and are willing to make the commitment, I urge you to do it.
Maybe your current situation prevents you from bringing a pet into your life right now. Please consider volunteering at a shelter or with a rescue group. They have plenty of pets who could use a hug and a walkie.
And, don’t forget - Rescue Pets Rule!
Rescue Mommy
You will experience love unlike that you know with humans. A pet genuinely does not care what kind of car your drive, what your job title is, what brand of cell phone you own, et cetera. A dog will be happy to see you, whether you have been gone five minutes or five hours. (Cats are less excited.)
They will listen to you ramble on and on about stupid stuff and generally do not roll their eyes at you. They will sit in your lap while you spend hours typing a silly little blog that no one may ever read. They want to be with you all the time, yet, interestingly, you will not feel the need to have a restraining order issued. They think you are the greatest person in the world.
They can also rip your heart to shreds when they pass. I was truly gutted when I lost Perdy and Dino. The most recent loss was Dino who fought an incredible battle against a nasty cancer for over a year. I cried myself to sleep and cried when I woke up each morning for a solid week after it happened. He was so brave and so sweet. My eyes are welling up as I type this. You never forget your pets.
And, yet, here Gracie sits in my lap. Pets fill a hole in our lives. They also force us to focus on something other than our silly concerns. If you can afford to have a pet and are willing to make the commitment, I urge you to do it.
Maybe your current situation prevents you from bringing a pet into your life right now. Please consider volunteering at a shelter or with a rescue group. They have plenty of pets who could use a hug and a walkie.
And, don’t forget - Rescue Pets Rule!
Rescue Mommy
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The Cost of Pet Ownership - Part II
We are fortunate to live in a community that is committed to pet rescue. Some of the tips offered below may not apply in your area. However, check with local shelters and groups. They may have advice for you.
Food
Feeding your pet can be expensive, depending upon your food selection. Check manufacturers’ websites for coupons and rebate offers.
If you are struggling to feed your pet, talk with your local shelter and rescue groups. In our area, we have several groups that have pet food pantries.
Routine Shots and Vet Visits
It is important to find a good vet for your pet. The ideal vet will help you find ways to provide quality care within your budget. Most vets nowadays understand the dire financial circumstances in which some people find themselves.
That being said, if you simply cannot afford a routine vet exam, the minimum you should do is maintain your pet’s vaccination schedule. In our area, local shelters and rescue groups offer low-cost shot clinics.
If you live near a large university that has a veterinary medicine program, check with the university about free or low-cost clinics. It might be an affordable way to get your pet basic exams until you can get back on your feet financially.
A word or two about vaccinations: In recent years, vets are taking a more conservative approach toward vaccinations. You should discuss with your vet whether or not certain vaccines are needed. Your pet may not be in a high risk category. Rabies vaccines must be given on the recommended schedule, though; it is the law.
Spay/Neuter
In our area, we have a special clinic that performs low-cost spay/neuter. For low income families, it is free. Check with your local shelter or humane society about low-cost spay/neuter. You might be surprised to learn that you have affordable options.
Routine Medicines
Flea medicine is essential. Not only do you want to keep these beasts out of your home, they cause lots of problems for your pet. As mentioned in a previous blog, I use the best-quality medicine I can afford. I have found the cheap stuff is not effective. I also do not apply the medicine year-round. You may not be able to do this, depending upon your situation. It is something to consider.
Your vet will recommend heartworm medicine. It can be very expensive, especially if you have multiple and/or larger pets. The treatment for heartworms can be extremely expensive and is tough for your pet.
Let’s be honest here. I balked at the cost for years, thinking the risk was low. I finally came around, though, when my dogs had issues with whipworms. My vet explained that the heartworm medicine also combats other worms. From that day forward, I kept them on heartworm medicine year-round and never had any issues.
One last note: I do not give Kiki and Maddy heartworm medicine. They are strictly indoor cats. The odds are very, very slim that they will come in contact with mosquitoes. Discuss this decision with your vet, though. You may live in an area where the risk is much greater.
Gear
The key here is to shop around and look in unusual places. Here are some places where I have saved money:
Dollar Tree: I found a collapsible food/water bowl there for, yes, $1. It is not super fancy, but it is sturdy enough. It actually holds water better than the Outward Hound version I reviewed in an earlier blog.
Family Dollar: You can find stainless steel pet bowls for around $3 here. I prefer stainless steel because it is more durable and easier to clean than plastic. I worry about chemicals leaching from plastic into the food, but then I tend to obsess about those things.
Update 8/31/10: I dropped by Family Dollar a couple of days ago to pick up some bowls for Gracie. The bowls felt as if they had been coated with oil, to prevent them from rusting. Yuck! Before you buy a stainless steel bowl from any store, check it. Needless to say, I did not buy the bowls.
Tractor Supply: This store carries farm supplies. They also have a decent selection of dog gear. Basic collars and leashes are cheaper here than at PetSmart. Keep that in mind, especially if you have a puppy who will go through several during the first year. If you have this particular chain or one like it in your area, check it out. You might be surprised at what you find.
Wal-Mart. Their selection of pet toys grows each day. Gracie loves a $3 hedgehog I bought there. I also found other deals on their website. They will ship most products free to a store near you.
Lastly, consider making your own pet beds. If you can sew a rectangular pillow case, you can make a pet bed. I look in remnant bins at fabric and craft stores. For stuffing, you can go super cheap and buy a $7 bag of cedar shavings. (You could fill several beds with one bag.) You can also find use poly stuffing or buy a piece of foam.
Tomorrow, we will discuss the senior years with your pets.
Rescue Mommy
Food
Feeding your pet can be expensive, depending upon your food selection. Check manufacturers’ websites for coupons and rebate offers.
If you are struggling to feed your pet, talk with your local shelter and rescue groups. In our area, we have several groups that have pet food pantries.
Routine Shots and Vet Visits
It is important to find a good vet for your pet. The ideal vet will help you find ways to provide quality care within your budget. Most vets nowadays understand the dire financial circumstances in which some people find themselves.
That being said, if you simply cannot afford a routine vet exam, the minimum you should do is maintain your pet’s vaccination schedule. In our area, local shelters and rescue groups offer low-cost shot clinics.
If you live near a large university that has a veterinary medicine program, check with the university about free or low-cost clinics. It might be an affordable way to get your pet basic exams until you can get back on your feet financially.
A word or two about vaccinations: In recent years, vets are taking a more conservative approach toward vaccinations. You should discuss with your vet whether or not certain vaccines are needed. Your pet may not be in a high risk category. Rabies vaccines must be given on the recommended schedule, though; it is the law.
Spay/Neuter
In our area, we have a special clinic that performs low-cost spay/neuter. For low income families, it is free. Check with your local shelter or humane society about low-cost spay/neuter. You might be surprised to learn that you have affordable options.
Routine Medicines
Flea medicine is essential. Not only do you want to keep these beasts out of your home, they cause lots of problems for your pet. As mentioned in a previous blog, I use the best-quality medicine I can afford. I have found the cheap stuff is not effective. I also do not apply the medicine year-round. You may not be able to do this, depending upon your situation. It is something to consider.
Your vet will recommend heartworm medicine. It can be very expensive, especially if you have multiple and/or larger pets. The treatment for heartworms can be extremely expensive and is tough for your pet.
Let’s be honest here. I balked at the cost for years, thinking the risk was low. I finally came around, though, when my dogs had issues with whipworms. My vet explained that the heartworm medicine also combats other worms. From that day forward, I kept them on heartworm medicine year-round and never had any issues.
One last note: I do not give Kiki and Maddy heartworm medicine. They are strictly indoor cats. The odds are very, very slim that they will come in contact with mosquitoes. Discuss this decision with your vet, though. You may live in an area where the risk is much greater.
Gear
The key here is to shop around and look in unusual places. Here are some places where I have saved money:
Dollar Tree: I found a collapsible food/water bowl there for, yes, $1. It is not super fancy, but it is sturdy enough. It actually holds water better than the Outward Hound version I reviewed in an earlier blog.
Family Dollar: You can find stainless steel pet bowls for around $3 here. I prefer stainless steel because it is more durable and easier to clean than plastic. I worry about chemicals leaching from plastic into the food, but then I tend to obsess about those things.
Update 8/31/10: I dropped by Family Dollar a couple of days ago to pick up some bowls for Gracie. The bowls felt as if they had been coated with oil, to prevent them from rusting. Yuck! Before you buy a stainless steel bowl from any store, check it. Needless to say, I did not buy the bowls.
Tractor Supply: This store carries farm supplies. They also have a decent selection of dog gear. Basic collars and leashes are cheaper here than at PetSmart. Keep that in mind, especially if you have a puppy who will go through several during the first year. If you have this particular chain or one like it in your area, check it out. You might be surprised at what you find.
Wal-Mart. Their selection of pet toys grows each day. Gracie loves a $3 hedgehog I bought there. I also found other deals on their website. They will ship most products free to a store near you.
Lastly, consider making your own pet beds. If you can sew a rectangular pillow case, you can make a pet bed. I look in remnant bins at fabric and craft stores. For stuffing, you can go super cheap and buy a $7 bag of cedar shavings. (You could fill several beds with one bag.) You can also find use poly stuffing or buy a piece of foam.
Tomorrow, we will discuss the senior years with your pets.
Rescue Mommy
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Costs of Pet Ownership - Part I
Before you consider adopting a pet, please review your economic situation. That statement may sound cold. It is not meant that way. Pets can be expensive. It would be irresponsible of me to not start the conversation this way. Let’s review some of the costs:
The Initial Purchase
Purchasing a purebred dog or cat from a responsible breeder is expensive. You could easily spend between $500 to $1,000 and more on the pet. If you go this route, I urge you to do the research and adopt from a responsible breeder. Puppy mills are despicable enterprises. Do not support them!
Please consider adopting a rescued pet. Believe it or not, shelters sometimes have purebred pets surrendered to them. Also, many breeds have rescue groups. If your heart is set on a particular breed, check the Internet for a rescue group.
A rescued pet is actually a bargain. At minimum, they have had their first set of shots. They have been spayed or neutered. Some rescue groups even negotiate with local vets to provide one free vet exam.
For example, when I adopted Gracie, she was up to date on all of her shots. She had been dewormed. She was spayed. The shelter implanted a microchip prior to her leaving. Her “welcome” packet included a coupon for a free grooming visit, a DVD on pet training, and coupons for food. They gave me a week’s supply of her current food, so I could transition her to a new food without tummy troubles.
If I had taken her to my vet for the shots, I estimate the cost at around $120. Having her spayed would have been another $300 to $400. Her adoption fee was $85. Let me repeat that - $85.
The Vet Visits
If you adopt a puppy or kitten, the first year is expensive. Both animals usually require at least two visits to the vet. Depending upon rates in your area, that can cost anywhere from $40 to $60 per visit.
Even if you adopt a puppy or kitten from a shelter, you still may need one visit to the vet for a set of booster shots. Also, please spay/neuter your pet, if it was not already altered before you got it.
If you adopt a pet who is more than one year old, he or she may have all of the required shots. A visit to the vet would still be a good idea so that you can double check for any problems.
The Gear
Here is a list of the basic essentials you will need:
Cats:
• Litter box, litter scoop, and kitty litter.
• Collar and tag.
• Two bowls – one for water, one for food
• Food
• Toys (lest your furniture be the toy)
Dogs:
• Collar, tag, and leash. Harness would be nice but not totally essential.
• Portable crate and bed
• Two bowls – one for water, one for food
• Toys (lest your shoes, furniture, carpet, et cetera, be the toy)
• Piddle Pads (every pet will have an accident; these work better than newspaper)
• Food
Again, this list only shows the bare necessities. You can easily spend a fortune on your pet. In the next posting, I will discuss ways to save on all of the above.
Rescue Mommy
The Initial Purchase
Purchasing a purebred dog or cat from a responsible breeder is expensive. You could easily spend between $500 to $1,000 and more on the pet. If you go this route, I urge you to do the research and adopt from a responsible breeder. Puppy mills are despicable enterprises. Do not support them!
Please consider adopting a rescued pet. Believe it or not, shelters sometimes have purebred pets surrendered to them. Also, many breeds have rescue groups. If your heart is set on a particular breed, check the Internet for a rescue group.
A rescued pet is actually a bargain. At minimum, they have had their first set of shots. They have been spayed or neutered. Some rescue groups even negotiate with local vets to provide one free vet exam.
For example, when I adopted Gracie, she was up to date on all of her shots. She had been dewormed. She was spayed. The shelter implanted a microchip prior to her leaving. Her “welcome” packet included a coupon for a free grooming visit, a DVD on pet training, and coupons for food. They gave me a week’s supply of her current food, so I could transition her to a new food without tummy troubles.
If I had taken her to my vet for the shots, I estimate the cost at around $120. Having her spayed would have been another $300 to $400. Her adoption fee was $85. Let me repeat that - $85.
The Vet Visits
If you adopt a puppy or kitten, the first year is expensive. Both animals usually require at least two visits to the vet. Depending upon rates in your area, that can cost anywhere from $40 to $60 per visit.
Even if you adopt a puppy or kitten from a shelter, you still may need one visit to the vet for a set of booster shots. Also, please spay/neuter your pet, if it was not already altered before you got it.
If you adopt a pet who is more than one year old, he or she may have all of the required shots. A visit to the vet would still be a good idea so that you can double check for any problems.
The Gear
Here is a list of the basic essentials you will need:
Cats:
• Litter box, litter scoop, and kitty litter.
• Collar and tag.
• Two bowls – one for water, one for food
• Food
• Toys (lest your furniture be the toy)
Dogs:
• Collar, tag, and leash. Harness would be nice but not totally essential.
• Portable crate and bed
• Two bowls – one for water, one for food
• Toys (lest your shoes, furniture, carpet, et cetera, be the toy)
• Piddle Pads (every pet will have an accident; these work better than newspaper)
• Food
Again, this list only shows the bare necessities. You can easily spend a fortune on your pet. In the next posting, I will discuss ways to save on all of the above.
Rescue Mommy
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Joys of Pet Ownership
It is 2:30 a.m. A fierce thunderstorm is raging outside. Flashes of lightning illuminate the bedroom. Thunder shakes the windows. Gracie is terrified.
She paces back and forth on the bed, panting and shaking. No matter what we do, nothing consoles her. Finally, she dives under the covers and claws her way to the foot of the bed. Occasionally, she pops out from under the covers and resumes her pacing routine on the bed. This little dance continues for the next hour.
It is 6:30 a.m. Kiki barfs a monstrous hairball near the bed. Gracie clamors to get off the bed, wanting to investigate. After many frantic shouts of “NOOOOO!!!” she desists and settles onto the bed.
It is 7:10 a.m. After an unsettled night’s sleep, I stumble into the living room. Gracie shows me that one of the cats has left a revenge poo-poo near her dog bed. Nice.
I wrestle with Gracie for a few minutes as I try to wiggle her into her harness. We go for our morning walk, which lasts almost an hour today. The storm has apparently washed away the pollen and exposed lots of fascinating smells. Also, Gracie must scold the evil dogs across the way for several minutes. She puffs her chest, snorts, and growls in her best Rottie imitation.
So, I ask you: are you truly ready to become a pet owner? The above is just a small glimpse of what you will experience. Yes, pets enrich our lives and bring so much joy. You also have to deal with the dirty, messy stuff, just as you do in your own life.
If you have a cat, kitty litter will be sprinkled throughout your house like magical fairy dust. Thanks to hairballs, cats barf far more than dogs. Projectile vomiting seems to be their favorite way of doing it too. Last weekend, someone decided the living room curtains needed a “stripe.”
If you have a dog, you must provide her with plenty of exercise and potty breaks. A consistent schedule reduces accidents. Are you prepared to stick to that schedule, even after a night I described above?
Pet ownership is a serious commitment. You are responsible for another life. We hardcore pet owners liken it to having children. So many pets are being surrendered because their owners can no longer afford them. I wanted to address the costs and present some ideas that might help you keep your pet.
If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, please review the blog this week. Thank you for listening!
Rescue Mommy & Daddy
She paces back and forth on the bed, panting and shaking. No matter what we do, nothing consoles her. Finally, she dives under the covers and claws her way to the foot of the bed. Occasionally, she pops out from under the covers and resumes her pacing routine on the bed. This little dance continues for the next hour.
It is 6:30 a.m. Kiki barfs a monstrous hairball near the bed. Gracie clamors to get off the bed, wanting to investigate. After many frantic shouts of “NOOOOO!!!” she desists and settles onto the bed.
It is 7:10 a.m. After an unsettled night’s sleep, I stumble into the living room. Gracie shows me that one of the cats has left a revenge poo-poo near her dog bed. Nice.
I wrestle with Gracie for a few minutes as I try to wiggle her into her harness. We go for our morning walk, which lasts almost an hour today. The storm has apparently washed away the pollen and exposed lots of fascinating smells. Also, Gracie must scold the evil dogs across the way for several minutes. She puffs her chest, snorts, and growls in her best Rottie imitation.
So, I ask you: are you truly ready to become a pet owner? The above is just a small glimpse of what you will experience. Yes, pets enrich our lives and bring so much joy. You also have to deal with the dirty, messy stuff, just as you do in your own life.
If you have a cat, kitty litter will be sprinkled throughout your house like magical fairy dust. Thanks to hairballs, cats barf far more than dogs. Projectile vomiting seems to be their favorite way of doing it too. Last weekend, someone decided the living room curtains needed a “stripe.”
If you have a dog, you must provide her with plenty of exercise and potty breaks. A consistent schedule reduces accidents. Are you prepared to stick to that schedule, even after a night I described above?
Pet ownership is a serious commitment. You are responsible for another life. We hardcore pet owners liken it to having children. So many pets are being surrendered because their owners can no longer afford them. I wanted to address the costs and present some ideas that might help you keep your pet.
If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, please review the blog this week. Thank you for listening!
Rescue Mommy & Daddy
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