Before Buying Exotic Pets
Each year millions of family pets are lost, and end up at shelters that have no idea who these pets belong to, or how to contact the owners to return the pets. But, something as simple as a pet tag that you only have to register for once, because the contact information can be updated free for the life of the pet, can almost erase this problem and reunite many pets with their families.
Questions to Ask Before for Buying Exotic Pets
Having a pet has always been found by many to be a life enriching experience. It isn’t unusual for people to have a dog or a cat as companions at home. However, there are people who aren’t content with the typical animal friends, others want the excitement and thrill that can be provided by exotic pets. Acquiring and maintaining exotic pets are not really that difficult nowadays, but if you are considering to get an exotic pet, you must first ask yourself the following questions:
Why do you want an exotic pet?
Many people consider having exotic pets because it seems to be cool to have one. However, having exotic pets is a serious decision that one must carefully examine. Many exotic pets need more care than typical pets. You should weigh all factors according to your abilities and capacities before getting any particular exotic pet.
Is it legal to keep the exotic pet?
Some animals are prohibited by law to be kept as pets. You should make sure that your area allows people to own the particular species you are eyeing before getting it. Otherwise you might have to give up your pet or be penalized for owning it. What are exotic pets like?
Do you have the capacity and ability to own the exotic pet?
Keep in mind that some pets, like a dog for example, are much more expensive to own than others. It is important that you know what you and your family can do to keep your pet healthy, happy and safe before you make any purchases.
As mentioned, most exotic pets need extra care and attention. You must be sure that you have the time, effort and money to spend caring for the exotic pet. Can you feed it? Can you provide appropriate shelter? Can you afford the health care expenses? Owning pets, especially exotic ones, takes great responsibility, and you must be certain that you have this quality before owning one.
Can the pet live in your area?
Certain pets may be legal in your area, but they may not necessarily be able to live in your home. Some pets might be too noisy or too rowdy to live in apartments and condominiums. Pets usually require a certain amount of space, air, and sunlight to live well and you have to be sure that your home can provide that.
Is the pet safe for you and your companions?
Pets have different levels of aggression and you must be sure that you and the people you live with can cope with the behavioral tendencies of the pet. Some exotic pets might also be poisonous or are prone to certain infectious diseases, and thus you have to make sure that you and your companions can avoid any untoward incidents.
Having exotic pets is a serious matter and you should examine everything before deciding to own one.
Some pets are stolen. A pet thief may snatch Fifi or Fido in hopes of getting a reward for its return, or to use in dog fights (even small or gentle dogs are susceptible – they can be used as “bait”), or for use in cult rituals.
Carrie A.Hall
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/before-buying-exotic-pets-82504.html
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12 Comments
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Why do people buy pets before they do the research?
I dont understand people who say "Im getting a python/hamster/rabbit/monkey, what can you tell me about caring for them?"
Am I the only one who thinks you should read up on buying your pet BEFORE you buy it? If I were to buy a pet in ignorance and hurt or kill it through that ignorance (ie, feeding it the wrong food or giving it the wrong environment), I’d never forgive myself. I dont understand the mentality of people who go out and buy a pet, or decide they are going to get one with no thought to the ramifications. This is the reason our shelters are full to bursting, even with exotic and unusual creatures like sugar gliders. Please stop saying "ooh, thats so cute/pretty/cool, I gots to have one" and please START saying "how do I find out everything I need to know to give the animal I want the best chance at a happy, fulfilled and healthy life"?
because people are crazy.they buy them because they are so cute and blah blah blah.but when they get them to there house they notice that that they stink or they are to noisy or maybe they get in to trouble.and they let them go to the wild or to a shelter.
so people should do there research before buying a pet.
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i fully agree with you. All my animals have come from shelters and they’re horrible places (although they do the best they can), so many animals are being put there needlessly
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I know its cheesy but a dog is for life not just for christmas
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I completly agree!! I work at an exoic vet and a dog/cat supply store and there are tons and i mean tons of uninformed people that we have to give advice to or do damage control. A lot of people buy animals on impulse then look for imformation after, when they often don’t have or have the money for supplies etc. I always do extensive research before and still after I adopt an animal I have never had or have little experience with. It’s the best way. It is also best to make sure you have the funds nesissairy to take care of the animal. B/c even an animal you bought for 7$ can cost a fourtune.
While not everyone is like this,hopefully people will realize!
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=)
We live in a consumer-based society in which people buy on impulse, not considering the consequences. The key is to educate people about the great responsibility of caring for animals!
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I agree with you… as for an actual answer to your question…. it’s for the same reason people bought a "pet rock". You can never underestimate the stupidity of the human race- and unfortunately many animals suffer because of it.
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Because, and this is especially true for smaller pets, they see this cute thing and they just "have to have it." So they buy it and then realize they don’t know what to do with it.
But honestly, if that’s the case, at least these people are doing the right thing by trying to find out what they’re doing wrong, and want to fix it. You have to give people credit for this.
However, people have no excuses when they come on here asking "why did my pet die?" and then proceed to list everything they’ve done wrong, but still be shocked their beloved pet died.
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Because some people are stupid!
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well i know a ton about bunnies but i asked because i wanted to no what people think from personal experience
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I share your view. However I suggest reading books, watching videos etc is OK but follow it up by seeing people who own the pets you aspire to own and get additional first hand accounts of the pleasures and pitfalls.
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Well angelicat, according to your answer to one of your answers to this question, you don’t seem to do your research before getting your pet either. If you look at your answer in the link below, you said you just got an African Hedgehogs but your have never heard of Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome.
It is pretty hard to do ANY amount of research on domestic hedgehogs and not find out about WHS.
Please stop making yourself look like the epitome of the perfect pet owner. I disagree with people who buy the pet before doing research, but at least they ask instead of thinking they know it all when they really have quite a ways to go.
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http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Atc11prewecpOjQTxm90m7Hty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081209043856AADws3W&show=7#profile-info-2ectoo0raa