Cats and dogs are amazing pets to have, but you may be considering something a little more...exotic. Exotic pets may not be as popular as other animals that you are used to seeing as part of a family’s household, but they can be just as fun, rewarding, and easy to form bonds with!
Birds, for example, are highly intelligent animals that can be taught to or vocalize. Turtles, if provided the proper habitat and dietary requirements, can be another great addition to your home with their unique personalities. Reptiles are quiet, low-maintenance, scaly friends that can also offer you companionship without all the hassle. Read more below to discover what type of care each of these animals needs and if they’re right for you.
-
Animal ShelterCategory: Choosing Your Pet, Finding Your Pet
Animal shelters, or what used to be known as pounds, are either governmental or private organizations that provide temporary homes for stray, surrendered, or abandoned pet animals. They most often house dogs and cats. The animal is kept at the shelter until it is reclaimed by the owner, adopted to a
Read more -
BreederCategory: Choosing Your Pet, Finding Your Pet
Buying from a reputable breeder gives you the opportunity to interact with the pets family, siblings, dam, also possibly the sire. You can, therefore, form a general impression of what the future holds for the pet you take home. A responsible breeder is a good source for a well-bred, healthy pet. The
Read more -
Microchipping Your PetCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Each year, nearly 8 million animals end up in local shelters. Of those 8 million pets, data shows that less than 20 percent of lost dogs and less than 2 percent of missing cats are ever returned to their original owners. Thankfully, there are some useful tools available to help pet owners who have lost
Read more -
Multiple Pets Benefit FamiliesCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Just like humans, furry family members need to have company, playmates and social interactions to be happy. Sometimes it's hard to remember that our family pets are animals first and family second. We typically look at the benefits of pets in homes from the standpoint of work and expense involved.
Read more -
New Pet? 7 Questions to Ask Your Family VeterinarianCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Your new family member may be furry with whiskers and a tail, or have scales, hooves or even wings. If you're the proud new owner of a new pet, chances are you'll have best results integrating your new pet into your family when you include a veterinarian on your team. "Having a new pet isn't like having
Read more -
New Pets Help Families in a Changing WorldCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
There is no doubt that we find the little round heads and big eyes of young puppies and kittens irresistible. Millions of new pets find their ways into our hearts and homes each year. Studies show pets are a very positive addition to families or singles and even empty nesters! Pets relieve stress, add
Read more -
Pet Ownership and Your HealthCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Your pets provide companionship, unconditional love and plenty of smiles, but they also make you healthier just by living with you. The health benefits of owning a pet are both physical and psychological, and they extend throughout an owner’s life. By keeping your furry companion healthy and happy,
Read more -
Pet TherapyCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Are you dealing with extreme levels of emotional stress, exhaustion or depression? If so, pet therapy might be right for you. Companionship is only one of the many benefits pet therapy provides. Keep reading to find out what pet therapy involves, which conditions it can help treat and why you might benefit
Read more -
Pet Travel TipsCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Are you planning to hit the road with your pets this summer? Whether you are planning a lengthy family road trip or a quick summer getaway, there are some important things you need to know before making the decision to travel with your pets. Use the following tips to guarantee a safe and stress-free
Read more -
Pets Can Teach Children How to Nurture and CareCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Gail Melson, author of Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children has been watching animals and children for some time. She estimates that of every ten children, four grow up in a home that includes domestic animals. She has determined that as many as 90 percent of all youngsters live
Read more -
Pets With BenefitsCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Have you ever noticed that you tend to feel better when you are around your pet? You are not alone. Recent studies show that nearly 50 percent of Americans find stress relief from their pets. Whether you own a dog, a cat or a lizard, pets offer companionship that can be greatly beneficial for your physical
Read more -
Pigs as Family PetsCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
You and your family may be charmed with the thought of adding a pet pig to your home. Many people have moved forward with finding their new pet, yet not taken the steps to provide appropriately for their pig. And themselves. As small and unassuming as a small pig might seem, there are considerations
Read more -
Ready for a Rabbit? Think Again!Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
"After cats and dogs, rabbits are the species most often surrendered to animal shelters," advises the Humane Society of the Unite States. "Most rabbits lose their homes because of "people reasons," such as a move or the owner's inability or unwillingness to care for the animal, not because the rabbit
Read more -
Preparing Your Pet for the Arrival of a New babyCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Helping your pet adjust to the arrival of a new baby is much like preparing a young child for a new sibling. An infant brings many changes to a household, however, you can help your pet adjust to the big changes with minimal time and effort by making gradual adjustments to your lifestyle before the baby
Read more -
Take Preventative Measures When Sleeping With PetsCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Adults and children oftentimes enjoy sleeping with household pets. They can keep us warm, feel comfortable, make us feel safe and loved. They may lick our faces, hands or other exposed areas before or during sleeping time. Scratches and bites, wounds, abscesses, ulcerations or other breaks in the
Read more -
Ten Tips to Keep Kids and Pets SafeCategory: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Parents love both their children and their pets. Many pet owners even call their pets fur children. But it is important to create a safe and healthy environment for both children and pets. We especially worry about parasite and bacterial transmission from animals to people, although the reverse can occur
Read more