The first big decisions to consider when your family decides to get a pet are what kind of animal do you want and where do you go to purchase the animal?

The two most obvious choices are purchasing a new animal from a pet store or breeder or purchasing a rescue animal. My husband and I are the owners of two rescue cats. We got them as older kittens and were glad to provide a safe and warm home for them, but they did learn some bad habits at the foster house where they were kept.

There are advantages and disadvantages to when it comes to purchasing a new pet or a rescue pet, here are some things to consider before your family brings an animal home.

Advantages of a new pet

When you buy a new pet you can be sure of the parentage of the animal. If you are buying directly from a breeder you can usually know the health history of the animal and the parents. Knowing this kind of thing can help you be prepared for any future vet bills. Also if breed matters you can be sure of getting a purebred animal when you buy direct from a breeder.

Another good thing about buying a pet directly from a breeder is that you are usually buying the animal while it is still very young and impressionable. Chances are the animal has not had very many opportunities to learn bad habits (like jumping on the kitchen counters). At this early stage you will have an easier time training your pet to behave the way your desire.

Disadvantages of a new pet

Buying a puppy or kitten from a store or breeder may mean that their shots have not yet been administered. You will be responsible for getting and paying for their shots. Also young kittens and puppies are not often spayed or neutered yet because they are not old enough. If this is an important matter to you then it will mean another vet visit.

While buying a rescue animal may mean overcoming a few bad habits, buying a new animal no training whatsoever. New pets will need to be house broken if you intend to keep then inside at all. Lastly, puppies or kittens from breeders and pet stores will often be more expensive. Usually you are paying to have a certified purebred and the accompanying paperwork.

Advantages of Rescue Animals

Rescuing an animal means helping the animal and getting a good family pet. Depending on the quality of the shelter or rescue agency you are adopting through your pet may be coming home with all their up-to-date shots. Also many shelters neuter or spay any animal that is brought to them so this could save you a bill. Finely, micro chipping animals is very common now and many sheltered animals are given a microchip when they enter the facility or right before they are adopted out.

Another great thing about adopting a shelter animal is that many of them have already received some sort of training. Older animals are often already housebroken and know basic obedience commands. Sadly many animals that were trained and loved had to be give up for financial reason and are now ready and eager for a new home.

Disadvantages of Rescue Animals

Every state has different laws and regulations when it comes to shelters and this means that sometimes the animals are given the bare minimum needed for survival. Some shelter animals may be underfed and in need of medical attention. Helping animals in this kind of situation will mean paying out more money.

Many time animals that have been in shelters for a length of time will develop some sort of coping mechanism. They may get overly excited, become depressed, nervous or scared. Many of these behavioral glitches can be worked through and often times all the animal needs is a quiet, loving home where they feel safe. Some pets do come with emotional baggage that can take some time to get over. Animals that have come from an abusive or neglectful home may take longer to settle in and trust you.

About the Author:
Lisa Brennan is the owner of Boston Felines & Fidos, a pet sitting service in Boston, MA. She and her team provide in-home care for dogs and cats, making them feel comfortable while you are away on vacation. For more information about her pet sitting services, visit www.bostonfelinesandfidos.com or call (617) 861-7641.