Pets are meant as life companions. For example, the average lifespan of a dog is between 12 and 14 years. Hence, it is not advisable to buy pet on impulse but only after careful consideration. First, decide on the type of pet or pets you wish to have. Analyse all aspects like the size of your house, available time that you can devote to them, facilities for keeping and exercising the pets, the type or breed of the pet, your tenancy agreements, the cost of maintaining the pet, etc.

Buy pets only from reputed and reliable breeders or accredited pet shops and other retail outlets. Ensure that the seller provides you with all the relevant paperwork, including the registration papers, the pedigree declaration and the hereditary screening certificates of the parents of the pets regarding hereditary diseases. If you have any doubts regarding the selection of pets, talk to us or to the Kennel Club and other pet care associations.

Maintaining pets is not a cheap affair. You will have to consider whether you can afford the following pet costs before buying them.

• The weekly food bill of the pets

• Bedding and other equipment needed to keep the pets in comfort, including toys

• Identification collar, lead and disc

• Healthcare bill of the veterinary doctor or surgeon for microchipping, vaccination, routine health checkups, sudden sickness, accidents and neutering

• Pet insurance cover costs and excess payments for claims on new illness or new injury not covered by the original insurance

• Boarding kennel charges

• Grooming expenses including clipping

• Enrolment and training fees if you take the pets to training classes

If possible, consult a veterinary doctor or pet care clubs/associations before deciding on a pet. Dogs and other pets also need constant company and attention like kids. If you spend more time in the initial periods, your relationship with the pets will be a happy one throughout their lifetime. The pets should be allowed to socialise with people and other animals, so that they develop a healthy attitude. Animals brought in complete solitude can be dangerous when they encounter others.

Exercising, training and play are important to keep the pets happy and healthy. If they misbehave for some reason, do not punish them. Whenever they show good behaviour, reward them. Slowly, they will become highly disciplined. Feed the pets with accredited pet foods and formulations. Most of the pets also need plenty of fresh water. Further, their food habits will vary whilst growing and during the periods of pregnancy, lactation and geriatrics. Consult the vet on proper diet during such occasions.

Ensure that the pets are checked up by an expert vet regularly and periodic flea treatment, grooming, clipping, etc. are done. Some of the diseases that affect pets are avian influensa or bird flu, BSE, bluetongue, foot & mouth disease, rabies, equine infectious anaemia, tuberculosis, scrapie, etc. If you have even a slight doubt that the pet might be having any ailment, approach the vet immediately. Early detection and prevention saves lot of trouble.

Pet care and animal welfare is a very big subject. It is not possible to provide all the information here. If you have any questions on the several subtle pet care aspects, talk to our pet care experts. We will clarify all your doubts and guide you regarding the steps that you should take in ensuring the maintenance of healthy pets in your house.