{"id":1839,"date":"2015-06-14T08:05:19","date_gmt":"2015-06-14T08:05:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/?page_id=1839"},"modified":"2024-01-05T11:50:14","modified_gmt":"2024-01-05T11:50:14","slug":"finding-the-best-pet-for-you","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/choosing-your-pet\/becoming-a-pet-owner\/finding-the-best-pet-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding the best pet for you"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\">Having a furry friend is one of the best joys in life. However, choosing a pet that is right for you is not as simple as finding the cutest dog or cat. With Zookie choosing the right pet is a walk in the park.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>First things first &#8211; why do you want a pet?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"txt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1843 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/016.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"655\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/016.jpg 655w, https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/016-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 655px) 100vw, 655px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"txt\">It\u2019s important to choose a pet that fits into your life, otherwise people can feel burdened by their new friends and end up abandoning the animals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\">Are you looking for a loyal companion or a cuddle buddy?\u00a0 Will they be for one person, shared by a couple or part of a large family?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\">Pets are a great way to teach children responsibility. If you are a parent, choose a pet compatible with your children. Age is an important factor in this case as it will determine how much attention and responsibility they can give.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>Consider your lifestyle choices<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"txt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1849 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/017.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"655\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/017.jpg 655w, https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/017-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 655px) 100vw, 655px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"txt\">Choosing the right pet for you depends on your lifestyle. Your location, home environment, and free time are all important factors when deciding on a pet. Here are some things to consider:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\">Does your home have enough space for a pet that might be a bit territorial? Do you have time to devote to an affectionate pet that might need plenty of belly rubs and walks? How old are the children in the house?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\">Different animals and their specific breeds have different temperaments and characteristics. You may find that the pet your original wanted doesn\u2019t suit the lifestyle you lead.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\">Finally, if you rent, always check with your landlord about any pet restrictions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>Don&#8217;t forget, a pet is a long-term partner<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"txt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1854 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/018.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"655\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/018.jpg 655w, https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/018-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 655px) 100vw, 655px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"txt\">When choosing an animal as a pet, you will also have to consider their life spans. Most dogs can live ten to fifteen years, while cats have been known to live as long as twenty years!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\">The most important thing to remember is that a pet is a responsibility. They are a living animal that needs time, care and most importantly love.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>The best pet for you and your family<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"txt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1858 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/019.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"655\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/019.jpg 655w, https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/019-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 655px) 100vw, 655px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"txt\">Here&#8217;s some fast facts to help you get started on choosing the right pet for you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>Dogs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Need daily walks<\/li>\n<li>Require constant socializing to be healthy and happy.<\/li>\n<li>Dogs thrive in routine; they like having set times for walks, play, and even eating.<\/li>\n<li>RSPCA and shelter dogs are usually vaccinated, desexed and heartworm free.<\/li>\n<li>In Australia, all dogs over 3 months must be registered with the local council. This is renewed yearly.<\/li>\n<li>The average dog owner spends approx. $900 in dog food a year.<\/li>\n<li>Dogs are most active of the furry favourites and require constant looking after, however they love unconditionally and are extremely loyal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>Small Dogs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Small dog breeds live up to 11 years<\/li>\n<li>Small dogs can suit townhouses and apartments<\/li>\n<li>Some small dogs breeds are less ideal for boisterous small children as they may be quick to bite when they feel threatened.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>Large Dogs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Large dog breeds can live up to 15 years<\/li>\n<li>Large dogs will need a big backyard to play in<\/li>\n<li>Larger dogs need longer or more frequent walks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>Cats<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>More solitary animals than dogs<\/li>\n<li>Most cats live up to12-14 years, however some have been known to live for 20 years!<\/li>\n<li>Cats are suited to apartments, houses with gardens, just about anywhere.<\/li>\n<li>Some local council may require cats to be confined to your property. Eg. Staying indoors or having a cat enclosure.<\/li>\n<li>In Australia, all cats over 3 months must be registered with the local council. This is renewed yearly.<\/li>\n<li>Cats are good for a cuddle and don\u2019t need constant attention, making them great for people with busy lifestyles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>Birds<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Live up to 5-10 years (some cockatoos have be known to live to 40!)<\/li>\n<li>Birds are ideal for apartments, houses and first pets.<\/li>\n<li>Favourite breeds are budgerigars, cockatiels, lovebirds and canaries.<\/li>\n<li>Highly social. Will require a friend or special attention everyday.<\/li>\n<li>Parrots, cockatoos, parakeets and cockatiels are the most affectionate birds and these are also the most talkative. You can even teach them to talk to you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>Rabbits<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Live up to 6-12 years<\/li>\n<li>Very clever and cheeky pets<\/li>\n<li>Social animals who will require a friend.<\/li>\n<li>Best suited for a hutch in the backyard.<\/li>\n<li>Eat their own bodyweight in grass hay each day.<\/li>\n<li>Long-haired rabbits need constant grooming<\/li>\n<li>Rabbits need to run, dig and play every day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>Fish<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A great first pet<\/li>\n<li>Can live between 5-8 years<\/li>\n<li>Tank requires at least 10 litres of water per fish<\/li>\n<li>Aquariums will need plants for oxidation of water<\/li>\n<li>Fish are shy and will need a rock or figurine to hide behind if scared<\/li>\n<li>Perfect for apartments and bench tops.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>Adoption and Pet Shelters<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\">There are plenty of pets looking for a good home at your local pet shelter. These are often animals who couldn\u2019t be looked after by their old owners and are looking for a new family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\">Young puppies and kittens need constant socialization and feeding during the first 6 months of life. If you are nervous about owning your first pet why not adopt an adult dog or cat who is already socialized or housetrained.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\">RSPCA or shelter animals are often vaccinated, desexed and heartworm free.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\"><strong>What is it going to cost me?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"txt\">Here are some costs you need to consider when choosing a pet.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Food<\/li>\n<li>Dental care<\/li>\n<li>Parasite control eg. Fleas, worming, heartworm protection<\/li>\n<li>Vaccinations<\/li>\n<li>Desexing<\/li>\n<li>Regular check ups with the (cover your pet\u2019s ears) vet<\/li>\n<li>Council registration<\/li>\n<li>Insurance<\/li>\n<li>Grooming<\/li>\n<li>Boarding kennels or catteries for when you go away<\/li>\n<li>Training or behaviour classes<\/li>\n<li>Bedding<\/li>\n<li>Collars, leads, name tags and toys<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"txt\">Remember that each breed is different and will require more research. For example, a kelpie will need far more exercise than a cocker spaniel. A rag doll cat will need more grooming than a Siamese. And an angel fish will need more room than a goldfish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"category\">\n<p class=\"txt\">\nIf you&#8217;ve decided that a dog or a cat is the go\u2014it&#8217;s time to find the right breed for you and your lifestyle. Check out Zookie&#8217;s <strong><a title=\"Cat breed selector\" href=\"\/breed-selector\/cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cat Breed Selector<\/a><\/strong> or <strong><a title=\"Dog breed selector\" href=\"\/breed-selector\/dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dog Breed Selector<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Having a furry friend is one of the best joys in life. However, choosing a pet that is right for you is not as simple as finding the cutest dog or cat. With Zookie choosing the right pet is a walk in the park. &nbsp; &nbsp; First things first &#8211; why do you want a &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/choosing-your-pet\/becoming-a-pet-owner\/finding-the-best-pet-for-you\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Finding the best pet for you&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1840,"parent":1547,"menu_order":218,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"sub-sub-details-page.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1839"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1839"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1839\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4429,"href":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1839\/revisions\/4429"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1547"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1839"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}