Owning a Pet,

Keeping a pet involves a lifetime commitment to provide and care for the pet. You should be certain that you can make this commitment for the lifetime of the pet. You should know that you may have to care for a rabbit or guinea pig for up to 8 years, a dog or cat for up to 20 years and a terrapin for longer than 20 years. You should never buy a pet on an impulse or give a pet as a present unless you are sure that the person to whom you are giving the pet can make a similar lifetime commitment.

Questions you should ask before getting a pet:

• Why am I getting a pet?

• Which pet?

• Is it legal?

• Does it have to be licensed?

• Do I have enough space in my house to accommodate it comfortably?

• Can I keep it in my apartment?

• Will I be able to take care of it its entire life?

• Will I be able to spend proper time with it?

• Will I be able to take care of it should it fall sick?

• Do my family members support my decision?

• Will I be able to ensure that it will not pose a nuisance to others?

• Where can I go to get a pet?

Many people will keep a pet for companionship and to give it a good home. However, you should know the lifespan, characteristics and needs of the pet that you intend to keep.

Currently, pet shops sell dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and many types of birds and fish. Other places you can obtain a pet include breeders, animal shelters or you can also adopt a stray from the street.

A responsible pet owner will provide all of the pet's basic needs as well as love and attention.

Basic needs are food and water, shelter, exercise, grooming and healthcare. You can feed your pet good quality commercial pet food. Swill and spoilt leftover food should never be fed. Clean, fresh drinking water should be provided at all times. Your pet should have shelter from the rain, sun and other inclement weather and a living area that is clean, dry, safe, well-ventilated and sufficiently spacious. You should provide it with daily exercise and keep it clean and well-groomed. You should send it to your veterinarian for an annual check-up and vaccination, or if it is unwell.

Owners should never abandon their pets. To do so is not only irresponsible but also cruel. Most pet animals have become reliant on their owners to take care of them over the years and will not be able to adapt, find food and look after themselves. Owners should surrender their unwanted pets to animal shelters. Owners who willfully abandon their pets can be prosecuted.