Things To Think Before You Make The Decision To Bring A Furry Friend Into Your Life

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Answer The Following Questions As A Family And See If You Are Ready To Adopt!

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Why Do You Want A Pet?

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It's easy to forget to ask ourselves this very important question. Adopting a pet just because you 'want' an animal companion or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years. One of the most common inquiries we recieve is someone looking to adopt a 'kitten' or a 'puppy' for their child's birthday. Sometimes that child is 5 years old and the small kitten or puppy will advance quicker than the child will grow. Soon the kitten or puppy will be strong enough to overpower your young child and then the animal you got as a present will be ignored or shunned because he or she is too powerful or the child simply looses interest. In conclusion, adopting an animal for your child or as a present is never a good idea. Instead, the animal should be adopted as a family pet. Everyone in your family should understand the expectations and responsibilities and make the decision as a team. 

Do You Have Time For A Pet?

 

Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them. A lot of families in Tanzania assign the responsibility of washing, feeding and walking thier dogs to their house staff. We reccomend playing a bigger role in caring for your animal as it is the best way to bond and build a trusting relationship between your family and the pet. 

Can You Afford A Pet?

 

The costs of pet ownership can be quite high (and sometimes unpredictable). Training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly. Also, the costs of traveling with your pet outside Tanzania is something to consider.
Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.

 

Are Your Living Arrangements Suitable For The Animal You Have In Mind?

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Many rental communities don't allow pets. Having animals indoors can also be a new concept for many Tanzanian landlords and may take some convincing. Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active-they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.

Is It A Good Time For You To Adopt A Pet?

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Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible or parents with the patience to educate and stay on top of small children around the animal. If you're a student, volunteering, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.

Do You Know Who Will Care For Your Pet While You're Away On Vacation?

 

You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service. Leaving your pets with house staff can be an option but is always also a risk depending on the situation. If you are leaving your pet with house staff, please talk to us about making sure you have everything in order for them before you depart on your trip. 

Will You Be A Responsible Pet Owner?

 

Having your pet spayed or neutered, committing to proper training and excersize are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are also essentials.

Finally, Are You Prepared To Keep And Care For The Pet For His Or Her Entire Lifetime?

 

When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime. Unfortunately, we deal a lot with expats who leave animals behind when they are finished their work term. Of course there can be unforseen circumstances and in those cases you may need to find another loving home for your dog. However, when adopting you should always plan for the long-term committment as your new animal deserves no less.