P
E
T
S
Place
How suitable is the place where you live?
Do you have a garden, or live near a local park? These are important considerations when thinking about getting a pet like a dog, which will need space to run around and play.
Exercise
How much exercise could you give your pet?
You may be looking forward to long walks with your new pet, in which case a dog might be suitable. If you’re not very active, a smaller pet may be a better choice.
Time
How much time could you spend with your pet?
Daily exercise, training, play time, visits to the vet, grooming and cleaning their home out all take time. Owners need to think about how much time they have to invest before deciding which pet to get.
Spend
Could you afford the lifetime expense of your preferred pet?
Owning a pet is a significant financial commitment. Food, bedding, vaccinations, and flea and worm treatments all need to be budgeted for. Owners also need to consider taking out pet insurance.
P
Place
How suitable is the place where you live?
Place
Do you have a garden, or live near a local park? These are important considerations when thinking about getting a pet like a dog, which will need space to run around and play.
E
Exercise
How much exercise could you give your pet?
Exercise
You may be looking forward to long walks with your new pet, in which case a dog might be suitable. If you’re not very active, a smaller pet may be a better choice.
T
Time
How much time could you spend with your pet?
Time
Daily exercise, training, play time, visits to the vet, grooming and cleaning their home out all take time. Owners need to think about how much time they have to invest before deciding which pet to get.
S
Spend
Could you afford the lifetime expense of your preferred pet?
Spend
Owning a pet is a significant financial commitment. Food, bedding, vaccinations, and flea and worm treatments all need to be budgeted for. Owners also need to consider taking out pet insurance.
Check Before You Buy
Understand your pet's needs
Lots of animals need companionship, and all need space for exploration and exercise. Exotic animals can have more complex needs and require specialist equipment. Before you buy, you should consider how much it will cost to keep the pet and whether it is suitable for the lifestyle and environment you can comfortably provide.
For puppies and kittens, use the Puppy Contract and Kitten Checklist respectively to guide you through the buying process in more detail.
Are you considering a less traditional pet?
There is a wide range of pets beyond dogs, cats, and rabbits. Reptiles, fish, birds etc can make great pets but make sure you understand what it takes to keep them well and how long they will live. They can also need specialist veterinary care which can be more costly, so it’s important you find out where your nearest specialist vet may be.
Is the pet you’re considering dangerous, wild or even endangered?
There are some animals that can only be kept if you have a licence to keep them. These are only for specialists who understand the additional requirements of animals listed under the Dangerous Wild Animal legislation.
Try an animal charity first
There are thousands of healthy, loving animals of all ages throughout the UK who need a home.
See the animal in person and, if they are young, interacting with their mum
When you visit a prospective pet, ask about the medical history of both the pet and their parents. Remember, puppies must not leave their mum until they are eight weeks old. It’s also important to see young pets interacting with their mum, in the place they were bred, to ensure a ‘fake mum’ isn’t being used, as this could be a sign the pet has been illegally imported.
Walk away and report the seller if something doesn’t feel right
For action to be taken you must report the advert to the Trading Standards department of the Local Authority where the seller is situated. The RSPCA, Scottish SPCA or USPCA can advise on animal welfare concerns. Follow PAAG’s reporting advice if you are unsure.
Beware of Scams
Do not put a deposit down for a pet you’ve not met. Beware of other red flags such as breeders rushing you into a purchase, offering to meet in a neutral location or promising to send on medical or pedigree paperwork.