A pet is defined as a domesticated animal that is kept for the purpose of providing companionship or for the enjoyment of the caretaker. Thus, these living beings do not report benefits at the level of scientific knowledge, money or physical labor: their only reason for adoption is to improve the existence of the tutors, either through observation, interaction or mere emotional commitment. And improve the existence of the animal, of course
When we think of pets, the first ones that come to mind are dogs, but, of course, they are not the only companion animals.Without going any further, freshwater fish represent the podium of domestic animals in the United States, since more than 95.5 million specimens are found in the homes of this country. They are followed by cats, with more than 85.5 million, and after them, dogs, with 77.8 million.
Beyond large vertebrates, birds, lagomorphs, rodents, reptiles, amphibians and even invertebrates are gaining more and more ground in the world of companion animals. Terrariophilia is spreading more and more with the world, following a clear rule: if an animal can be reproduced in captivity and does not threaten the he alth of any of the parties, it is possible to keep it as a pet. Here we present the steps you must follow to adopt a pet, whatever the order. Remember that every living being deserves respect and a dignified life.
What are the steps you should take before adopting a pet?
Certain guardians choose to enter a store and buy an animal blindly: this is how most tragic stories for animals begin. You should keep in mind that many salespeople will tell you what you want to hear, regardless of the well-being of the living being in the long term. Therefore, adopting a pet is a procedure that requires extensive preparation Follow these tips before taking charge of a life.
one. Find out about animal care
Information about the environmental requirements of the living being to be adopted is essential in all cases, but above all in ectotherms that they are not capable of generating their own metabolic heat. Reptiles, fish, amphibians and invertebrates are completely dependent on temperature and other parameters to survive, so you should get a well-equipped terrarium/aquarium that perfectly mimics the ecosystem from which they come.
Although it may not seem like it, this step must also be fulfilled in mammals and birds. For example, did you know that a chinchilla presents serious risks of suffering from heat stroke if the environmental temperature is higher than 27 degrees? If you live in an area that is especially hot in the summer, simply don't buy a specimen of this species and look for another viable option. You must ensure that you can give the animal physical parameters that adjust to its physiological needs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
2. The golden questions before adopting an animal
Here are some questions you should always ask yourself before adopting a pet Those of us who have worked in conservation are tired of seeing invasive red-eared sliders released into the wild by irresponsible guardians who, if these issues had been raised, would not have engaged in these crimes.
2.1 Do I have the adequate infrastructure?
With each animal, a number of species- and taxon-specific complications arise. For example, many terrapins grow enormous, some cats destroy furniture, freshwater fish can have young in a short time, and dogs can require large spaces inside the home to move properly.
Ask yourself if you have enough space to house the animal at all stages of its life No, fish do not grow in based on the size of the tank, and the turtles do not become small if the ambient temperature is reduced. An animal will grow yes or yes, because it is in its genetic imprint.
2. 2 Do I have enough money?
Both exotic and common animals require a significant financial investment at first, but then some pet owners seem to forget that the flow of money from a pet is continuous.
For example, in countries like Spain it is estimated that having a dog costs more than 1,200 euros per year Perhaps other animals are cheaper than maintain, but, if your he alth is complicated, veterinary intervention always involves a not inconsiderable amount of money.
2. 3 Is my routine stable?
Some animals, such as hamsters, stay with their guardians for 2-3 years, while a tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) reaches a maximum life expectancy of 150 years. Of course, based on the lifespan of the animal, the commitment is higher or lower.
You must consider if you are going to travel in the future, how long the animal will live or if you want to change your place of residence at some point. Pets that are legal in one country may not be in another, so It is best to adopt a living being when you are at a stable point in your lifeand no major changes.
2. 4 Am I aware of the legality of the animal?
Animal ownership is a changing concept, as species are continually classified as potentially invasive and others enter protected lists, for example. If previously having a bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) was legal, now it is punishable by law, as it is a dangerous species for the native fauna of many countries.
This is especially indicated for guardians of exotic animals: legislation is changing more and more, so find out from the relevant entities what permits you need to adopt according to what living beings before you get into trouble.
3. The time of adoption
In these last lines, we are going to focus on the adoption of cats and dogs, since acquiring an exotic animal in a center with an approved zoo is as easy as buying it and, at most, signing a couple of documents that accredit you as guardian of the animal (except potentially dangerous and protected animals).With birds and fish, everything is easier, since most common species can be purchased without document or signature.
In any case, if you go to a shelter looking for a dog or a cat, you must take into account the following points, Well, they are going to ask you:
The association has every right in the world to deny possession of the animal to the potential guardian if it does not consider that the individual will be able to meet its requirements.
4. You should know that abandonment is punishable by law
The abandonment of animals is a social scourge that is difficult to combat today without legal restrictions. In the United States, about 3.3 million dogs are taken to shelters each year, and the ending is not always a happy one. According to the ASPCA, approximately 1.5 million animals living in shelters end up being euthanized each year, because no one wants to adopt them.
Due to these discouraging figures, other organizations estimate that 25% of the world's dogs live abandoned, or what is the same, 131 million specimens. Before adopting a pet, you should know that abandoning it is a legal crime, and a completely immoral and deplorable practice.
Beyond subjective human conceptions, ecosystems can also suffer the effects of neglect: many exotic species can become pests if released into the environmentGambusia fish, red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta), giant African snails (Achatina fulica) and Argentine parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) are clear examples of this, since they have already caused real plagues in many regions where they were not endemic.
Summary: responsible ownership is the key
Adopting a pet is a process that requires long and slow reflection.If we want you to stay with a central idea after reading all these lines, this is the following: ask yourself the golden questions listed in section 2. If any of your answers is "maybe" or "perhaps", leave the question. idea right away. Better to be safe and stay with the desire than to see yourself with a giant animal in a small home, or something worse.
We know these lines may sound “cutting”, but the reality is that Having a pet is one of the best experiences you can haveFor this reason, it is better to err on the blunt, since the life of a living being is not a game and must be experienced in the way it deserves.