Say you find yourself walking around King’s park with the River Swan in front of you, within earshot of the bustling shops and the big city at your feet. Maybe you are looking for homes around Rockingham and you see fellow residents walking their pets around the neighborhood. You might get that sudden realization that Perth is the place you want to settle down with your family. As the fourth largest city in Australia with its sandy beaches on the coast and a thriving metropolis at its heart, Perth is the type of friendly city that keeps families with fur babies engaged in its many pet-friendly parks, cafes and markets.
If you are deciding to adopt a pet while in Perth, You must first ask yourself:
Is a pet right for you right now?
We all know a four legged friend is always a plus in anyone’s book. But before you start looking, you need to plan ahead for a bit. A pet is a huge responsibility and the last thing you want is your companion feeling sad and uncomfortable. Check what your lifestyle is and how it can affect your pet. Are you a go-getter with an active schedule? A high energy dog will suit you just fine. Are you a chill living, low maintenance type? A lazy solitary cat might be more up your alley.
Keep in mind that pets will require pet food, veterinary visits and regular shots. All these upfront and ongoing expenses can take a toll, and anyone without the financial capability to provide the basics even for themselves should think twice before getting a pet. The most important thing you must be able to provide is daily love, care and attention for your pet.
Once you understand the responsibilities necessary for raising a pet, then we can move on to the next question:
Where to find a pet?
We all know being a responsible owner doesn’t start when your pet lands on your doorstep. It starts from where you get them. When choosing your pet, it needs to come from a place that respects and loves the animal they raise. So let’s explore
Shelters or Rescues?
Adopting your next pet helps the community by giving abandoned, abused and lost pets a second chance to find a new home. You will likely stumble upon places that either call themselves shelters or rescues. What’s the difference?
Animal shelters are local pounds run by the government and funded by taxpayer money. They mostly house abandoned animals from empty homes and strays from the street. A typical shelter has rows of kennels where people can view what’s available, while some shelters also have an outdoor area where potential pet parents can spend some time with the animals they want to adopt. Depending on the budget of these shelters, they can also provide basic medical treatment and neuter/spay animals as needed.
Animal rescues on the other hand are volunteer-run organizations operating on private property. The animals they have usually come from abusive homes so these animals can have medical or behavioral problems, but this is not always the case. Most rescues have a home-style environment so they can easily integrate in other homes, as well as be comfortable socializing with other pets and humans. Volunteers usually need potential owners to visit and get to know their chosen animals before making a final decision.
If adopting may not be your style or you still can’t find your dream pet, don’t worry about it! There are still more places to look:
Dog Breeders
Dog breeders breed puppies and are dedicated to maintaining either purebreds or mixing specific breeds to make new ones. It takes a mastery of genetics and animal husbandry to be a breeder and it takes much more to be an ethical one. Unethical breeders can disregard the safety and health of their animals in the name of maximum profits by over-breeding their dogs. These “puppy mills” or puppy factories house their animals in filthy confined spaces to reduce overhead expenses and provide little to no medical care. It might be tempting to buy and “save” on your next pet but this only continues a vicious cycle of animal maltreatment.
Reputable dog breeders in Perth are registered with groups such as RPBA and follow a strict code of ethics to ensure the pets you get are of sound mind and body. Good breeders can also provide new pet owners with pointers on how to take care of their new pets specific to the breed, so you can be responsible owners from the get go.
Found your dream pet? Great!
Once you’ve decided on your dream pet and where to get it, the next step is to contact the shelter or breeder and make an appointment. Make sure to ask what documents to prepare and what the costs are before setting a schedule. When you visit, remember to speak with the staff that is taking care of your chosen pet and take all the time you need to find out as much as you can! Meet more animals and make a day of it with friends and family. Soon enough, you will have a furry little best friend to welcome into their new home!
