The National Humane Education Society (NHES) loves nothing more than when a new family finds just the perfect dog or cat for them.  Unfortunately, NHES and other humane organizations have too often seen the somber consequences of a pet adoption decision made too quickly and/or made without thinking about the following issues.

NHES has provided a very important laundry list of facts to discuss within your family BEFORE adopting a puppy or a kitten. In order to be fair to your family as well as the kitten or puppy, NHES feels it is good idea to consider what these baby animals ARE NOT...

1. A puppy or a kitten IS NOT a toy.

A kitten or a puppy is a living, sentient being who has a need for love and proper care the rest of his life.  A baby animal, not unlike ourselves as infants, needs to be fed often.  In addition, young animals are especially vulnerable to broken bones and other injuries from careless treatment.

2. A kitten or a puppy IS NOT a teaching aid.

An animal should not be adopted to instill a sense of responsibility in children.  It is unfair to place an animal’s entire well-being in the hands of children.  Feeding, grooming, housebreaking, and the training of an animal should be the principal responsibilities of adults.  Responsibility training of children is better left for household tasks, where a helpless animals needs are not at stake. And please remember, children will follow their parents’ example in their attitude toward pets.

3. A puppy or a kitten IS NOT cheap.

The initial adoption fee for a pet is a mere pittance compared to the cost of veterinary care for routine and emergency treatment over the entire pets life, as well as licensing fees and damages to personal property that normally occur.

4. A kitten or a puppy IS NOT a gift.

Animal shelters across the U.S. are overcrowded with dogs and cats that were acquired for the wrong reasons or without sufficient investigation and personal commitment.

5. A puppy or kitten IS NOT completely self-cleaning.

Dogs and cats can neither brush and bathe nor clean up after themselves (accidents, shedding) and therefore, they impose additional work on a household.  This is even more the case when it comes to puppies and kittens.

6. A kitten or a puppy IS NOT an adult.

A puppy or kitten cannot wait long periods before relieving himself because he has neither the physical nor the mental abilities of an adult animal.  He cannot differentiate between what is a toy and what is not, nor can he distinguish between digestible and dangerous objects.  Puppies and kittens require patience, understanding, and supervision—just as with human infants and young children.  A puppy does not mature into an adult dog for at least two years; a kitten is not an adult until about one year.  If you work out of the house and do not have time for training and play, an older dog would suit your lifestyle better.

7. A puppy or a kitten IS NOT a puppy or a kitten forever.

Yet, our animal friends need your love and care forever.  The average dog lives to be 10 to 15 years old; cats can live even longer.  Please be sure that you and your family understand the lifelong commitment involved before succumbing to the charms of a cute little puppy or kitten.

8. A puppy or kitten should be part of the family.

Dogs and cats became domestic animals when man tamed and socialized these animals over thousands of years.  Humans took on the responsibility of the care of dogs and cats when the taming began and we must continue to carry on that responsibility each and every day. Part of that obligation includes NOT keeping puppies or dogs outside on chains.  Dogs descended from wolves and as we know, wolves enjoy living in social packs.  When a puppy or dog is brought home, it is extremely important to include him as a part of your pack, as part of your family.  That means including him in your home, and not keeping him tied outside, placed far from the house.  Further, dogs on chains cannot protect themselves and out constant fear/anxiety and loneliness can develop negative behaviors, including aggression.

Dogs, puppies, cats and kittens only ask to be treated with basic respect and kindness, and in turn, they give us unconditional love.  NHES hopes that these tips will be of use to families before making a decision that may end in heartbreak for all.  Deciding what pet is right for you is a very important issue that is certainly worthy of a family meeting!