Before buying or adopting a pet, give yourself the following check test. If you cannot answer YES to every question, you should carefully reconsider the entire situation. It may be that the needs of an animal outweigh your willingness or ability to care for him.
~ will someone be home to provide meals for the animal according to a fixed schedule?
~ in the case of puppies, will someone be home during the day to look after the animal and to train him properly? If not, are you willing to spend 'quality' time with the puppy in the evenings and on weekends?
~ are you willing to exercise the dog at least twice a day, according to a set schedule?
~ are you willing and able to pay for all inoculations, periodic veterinary examinations and any emergency treatment that the animal may need?
~ do you have the necessary fencing to ensure the security of this puppy? NO dog should be tied out on a ground stake or a clothesline. It is imperative that your property be fenced to keep your dog confined to your property.
~ are you willing to obey the leash laws of your community?
~ are you committed to caring for the animal for its lifetime?
(provided through the Humane Society Education Programme of The Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society, Kitchener, ON)
~ in the case of puppies, will someone be home during the day to look after the animal and to train him properly? If not, are you willing to spend 'quality' time with the puppy in the evenings and on weekends?