Pets: It pays to make the right choice

CHOOSING a pet and welcoming them into your home is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Getting it wrong can have disastrous consequences for both animal and owner, especially when you consider it could be a partnership that lasts for many years.

That is why vets at the PDSA have issued a plea to prospective pet owners, urging them to take the time to research their chosen animal and ensure it is right for their lifestyle.

Being prepared can mean the difference between a long and happy relationship and one which leads to your pet joining the thousands of unwanted animals already in rehoming centres across the UK.

"When deciding on a new pet it is important to consider the animal's needs as well as your own to ensure you can meet their specific wants," says Sean Wensley, PDSA senior veterinary surgeon.

"Owning a pet is a considerable commitment, particularly with animals such as dogs and cats which can live well in to their "teens".

"The time and expense associated with smaller pets, such as rabbits, can also be a lot greater than many people think."

To find out which pet is right for you, the PDSA recommends visiting its online tool, Your Right Pet, at www.your-right-pet.org.uk.

Your Right Pet uses a four-part formula, "PETS", to help potential pet owners make the right choice.

Standing for Place, Exercise, Time and Spend, the guide incorporates all the factors that need to be considered to ensure owners and their pets are matched:

• Place: which type of pet is appropriate for where you live?

• Exercise: can you provide the right type and amount of daily exercise?

• Time: can you devote enough time to your pet?

• Spend: can you afford the lifetime expense of your pet?

"Every day, vets see the results of unwise pet choices," Sean explains.

"We urge people to think carefully to avoid making mistakes which can prove very costly, both emotionally and financially."

Your Right Pet provides checklists for prospective pet owners, including information on estimated costs, average lifespans and exercise requirements, as well as advice on where, and where not, to get pets.

It also includes information on the health problems which commonly affect certain breeds so that prospective owners know what to look out for when choosing a new pet.

Any potential owner also needs to be aware of the legal requirements of keeping an animal, under the Animal Welfare Act (2006).

For more information and free pet care advice, visit the PDSA's website at www.pdsa.org.uk/pethealth.