How to choose the perfect pet
A pet is a lifetime commitment, as in, the pet’s lifetime, and is not a decision should be taken lightly or made impulsively.
All too often the Newcastle SPCA sees animals being surrendered to them, because they do not fit into their owner’s lifestyle.
Either they’re too lazy or they are too busy or what ever the case may be. Unfortunately, just being an animal lover does not mean just any animal is suitable for your lifestyle and circumstance.
Therefore, taking time to research your options before making an adoption decision is one of the most important things to do, and will set you up for a fulfilling relationship with your new chosen pet.
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Consider this before adopting a pet:
1. Personal preference: It’s important to be clear on what type of pet interests you and which do not. Consider the sort of consequences of having the pet you’re willing to live with. For example: Would you be happy to have a litter box in your house?
2. Space: How large is your living arrangement. How much space do you have for a pet and is it secure? Based on this criteria you should pick a pet that can happily exist in the space available.
3. Time availability: Do you have ample time at your disposal to care for your pet? Regular play is very beneficial for both cats and dogs and training and regular walks a must for most dogs.
4. Budget: It’s not cheap to own a pet. Aside from the adoption fee that most shelters charge, there is the ongoing expense of health care and veterinary checkups, grooming, routine pest control, food, toys and pet insurance to consider.
5. Family: It’s very important that the entire family is on board when deciding to get a pet, as they will no doubt need to help out with raising the pet from time to time. Whether or not you have or plan to have children may also influence the type of pet you decide to adopt.
Also consider your future plans and desires, to ensure that this is indeed the right time to be getting a pet. A pet is a lifetime commitment, as in, the pet’s lifetime, and is not a decision should be taken lightly or made impulsively.
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A Christmas note from the Newcastle SPCA
“As the season of fireworks and festivities is upon us please take the following into consideration:
If you own animals, please ensure that they have the best of care and that your pet has an identification tag should it escape your property and get lost. An appeal is made to everyone to choose activities that do not exploit animals in any way.
We ask members of the public not to be afraid to report anything of concern. This might range from people aiming at living creatures with fireworks, air guns or similar items, to accidents involving animals or broken-down vehicles carrying animals.
Above all, please report concerns regarding abused, neglected or cruelly treated animals by phone.
Every SPCA has an all-hours emergency number but e-mails may not be monitored around the clock and the same applies to messages of this kind on Facebook. Save our telephone numbers, which are 034 318 2346 (office hours) or 072 337 0347 (emergency after hours), on your cell phone and remember, the identity of an informant is always kept confidential.
Finally, the Newcastle SPCA would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all animals, to extend a huge ‘thank- you’ for the support we have received during this year.
These two little words that roll off the tongue are quick and easy to say, but it is not so easy to convey the sincerity of those words.
The difference we made in the lives of the many animals this year is our way of showing our gratitude. So once again thank you to the caring people in our community. We wish you all a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”
From the Management Committee
Contact us
WhatsApp: 082 874 5550
Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
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