Kittens and Puppies Galore

Spring is here or at least it is trying hard to get here. In addition to the leaves budding on the trees, birds building nests and maple trees being tapped, we see the rebirth which occurs in spring through an increase in new puppies and kittens examined.

Choosing that new member of your family is a decision not to be taken lightly. Often I have clients who come in AFTER they have obtained their new pet. They confess that they know they should not have obtained Fido from the pet store, but they just had to rescue him and what should they do now? At this point the toothpaste is out of the tube and isn’t going back in, so I move forward with instructions for care.

So where should you get a pet? The Pioneer Valley is unique in the very strong ties our community and veterinarians have to the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society www.DPVHS.org. Many clients have adopted new family members through this organization. They have tested the cats and kittens for infectious diseases like Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. The dogs are checked for Heartworm disease. All of these conditions have life impacting consequences and are diseases that should be screened for and treatment initiated prior to adoption. The adopted animals are also dewormed, vaccinated and spayed or neutered. They have also been temperament tested. This is extremely important aspect of the adoption process. No one wants to have adopted the castaway behavior issue of another individual, it is neither fair to the pet nor to you the new adopter. I find that the majority of responsible adoption agencies have some temperament testing protocol in place.

What? You want a pure bred animal? Try one of the breed rescue groups http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm, or a local breeder is the way to go. Why a local breeder over a pet store, internet ad or back of a magazine? Well, a local breeder is likely to be breeding dogs for the joy and pleasure of it. Often, the other places are in it for the profit. Have you visited a pet store? Who is behind the counter assisting you with the decision regarding your new family member? Is it someone who has an interest in you and the monumental decision you are about to make or someone who is being paid by the hour and is waiting to punch out so they can get a tall coffee drink and text their friends? This does not even address where the animals came from they are selling. We can get into that at a later date.

Anyhow, I have seen it all when it comes to pet acquisition and my advice is as follows. Know what you want and do your homework before you actually get the animal. Make sure that it is going to work within the framework of your life. Finally, make the decision to get a pet a complete family decision. Research what you want and what is going to work for your life. The best time to visit the veterinarian with regards to your new puppy or kitten is BEFORE you have made the decision. In this way you are well informed and can enjoy your new pet that much more.