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By C. Moon Reed
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o you think you want to adopt a pet. But where in the world do you start? Being a pet owner can be an enormous commitment and, depending on the pet you pick, a huge lifestyle change. So you’ll want to make sure you choose the creature that truly matches you. To that end, we consulted with local pet experts to give you this custom guide to bringing a furry, feathered or scaly friend into your life.
Sarah Shumaker and her dog Meeko, a German Shepherd-Husky mix, at White Rock trailhead in Red Rock Canyon (Wade Vandervort/Staff)
Factors to consider ■ Do you live in a tiny apartment, or a house with a big yard? Make sure the animal’s needs match your space. And while you’re at it, check with your landlord or HOA to make sure there aren’t any restrictions. ■ How many hours will your pet be home alone? Dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than eight hours. Cats, reptiles and fish offer more flexibility for the office-to-bar set. Swingshifters might consider adopting a rodent, many of which are nocturnal. ■ Do you have small children? Young kids are at the most danger of being bitten or scratched, in part because they’re most likely to treat furry pets like dolls. ■ What’s your budget? Pets incur cost beyond the price of adoption. There’s food, health care, grooming and boarding to consider, along with occasional unexpected expenses. Some animals are more costly than others. For example, bunnies are very expensive to maintain, according to Animal Foundation adoption manager Brenda Arceo. ■ What pets already live in your home? Make sure all your pets can live in harmony. When you go to adopt, it’s a good idea to bring your current pets along for a preliminary meet-and-greet.
■ What’s your physical activity level? Cats, fish and small mammals like hamsters or gerbils are good for less-active folks. Dogs generally require the most physical activity. In addition to being walked every day, they need cardio, which can usually be achieved with a rousing game of fetch. If you can’t keep up but still want a dog, opt for an older one, suggests Kelley Bollen, a certified animal behaviorist who consults with the Nevada SPCA. ■ Do you have time to train your pet or maintain its living environment? Several local pet rescue groups say that people largely surrender their pets for behavioral reasons, like peeing on the rug. These problems are often fixable with training, if owners have the time to do so. Seemingly low-maintenance pets, like lizards and snakes, depend upon very specific living conditions to survive. Cages and aquariums need to be cleaned frequently, and feedings can be time-consuming and tricky. ■ Try a succulent first. There’s an old saying about the order of responsibility: first plants, then pets, then progeny. If you aren’t sure you’re ready for a pet, try keeping a cactus alive before taking the dive. Continued on Page 34
