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Pets

Before deciding to obtain a pet:

• Be aware that many dogs and cats are stolen for research or for animal fights small animals are used to train larger animals
• Be aware that some people are allergic to some pets, especially pets with fur or feathers, and may be uncomfortable visiting your residence
• Consider the possibility that your pet might bother neighbors, e.g., noise, droppings
• Consider getting a smaller pet first, e.g., a hamster
• Consider taking care of someone else’s pet first to get a feel for what’s involved
• Consider whether a pet would be at danger from wild animals, e.g., coyotes
• Consider whether your residence is well-suited for the type of pet you’re considering, e.g., room for dogs to run around, no small places for hamsters to hide in
• Be aware that many pets often carry fleas which live in carpets, etc.

Before deciding whether to get a specific pet:

• Determine how good the pet will be with children
• Determine how loud the pet is likely to be
• Determine if the pet is pure bred
• Determine if the pet has any papers verifying breeding, vaccinations, etc.
• Determine if the pet is sick, or has been sick
• Have the pet checked by a vet

After obtaining a pet:

• Have pet spayed/neutered it will make them less likely to roam, thereby reducing risk of getting lost or stolen
• Have a microchip inserted under the skin and/or have your pet tattooed • most researchers check for these before using an animal for research
• Consider pet health insurance the average annual cost of vet care (routine and otherwise) for a dog is $160

Regularly:

• Keep teeth clean with brushing (use toothpaste designed for your pet and consider using a finger toothbrush), sprays, chewable pills, hard food and/or chewable toys
• Clean ears with cotton balls, etc. (avoid cleaning ears with cotton swabs) approx. every 1-2 weeks swabs can push wax, etc. further into the ear canal
• Use a shampoo designed for your type pet

If’s:

If you are bitten by someone’s pet:

• Report it to authorities, e.g., animal control to force negligent owners to control, and perhaps train, their pet

If you become aware of a pet owner who does not properly control their pet and the pet poses a hazard to others:

• Report them to authorities, e.g., animal control to force the owner to control their pet

If you can no longer care for your pet:

• Don’t give it away free to a stranger (charge something) they might sell it for research (dogs and cats have organs similar to humans)
• Check with an animal shelter

Death of a pet:

• Some areas prohibit backyard burials
• Vet should give you alternatives, e.g., cremation ($100-200), cemetery burial ($600-10,000)
• Use similar procedures as you would for a human funeral
• Insist on viewing your pet before it is buried
• Ensure cemetery has necessary funds to stay in business

Cremation:

• Ensure your pet is actually cremated (e.g., not just dumped into open pit)
• Ensure the ashes you get back are those of your pet

Burial:

• Get a contract which includes:

  • Exact location of burial
  • Your rights and responsibilities regarding maintenance of the plot

Kennels:

If you’re considering leaving your pet at a kennel, etc.:

• Call American Boarding Kennels Association (719) 591-1113

• Visit the recommended kennel(s) to check for:

  • Adequate space
  • Cleanliness
  • Staff interested in your pet
  • Ventilation
  • Are they willing to use your pet’s personal bedding, toys, food, etc.?

Pet sitters:

If you’re considering using a pet-sitter:

• Seek referrals, e.g., call National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, (800) 296-7387

For prospective pet-sitters:

• Determine if they will:

  • Walk pet
  • Play with pet
  • Take in mail, newspapers, etc.
  • Turn lights on and off
  • Stay overnight

• Ask for proof of bonding and insurance

• Check references

Transporting a pet:

If you’re considering taking a pet with you:

• Consider not taking your pet and having it cared for by a pet sitter, kennel, etc. (see Pet sitters, Kennels)

If you decide to transport your pet:

• Ensure your pet is not:

  • Pregnant
  • Frail
  • Too young
  • Sick

• Be aware that cats tend to get confused and lost on trips

• Obtain copy of medical records for emergencies and crossing borders
• Seek advice from a vet
• Ensure all hotels, etc. at which you might stay will allow pets
• Put an ID tag on your pet

If you’re considering flying your pet:

• Check the policies of the airline(s) for travelling pets
• Beware that airline flights can be fatal for pets which fly in the baggage compartment
• You can usually take your pet in the cabin with you if it will fit in a carrier which will fit under the seat

If your pet will be flying in the baggage compartment and/or unaccompanied:

• Get a non-stop flight to reduce the risk of death from overheating during loading or unloading
• Get an evening flight to avoid the hottest time of day