Choosing your Pets
Why do we need to understand the 10 points of responsible per ownership?
A socially responsible pet owner is so much more than someone who merely owns or even cares for an animal.
Responsible pet owners act pro-actively to ensure that their pets are happy and healthy, are a pleasure to their owners and to others and do not inconvenience those that live live around them.
We believe if these simple steps are applied by all pet owners or those thinking about getting a pet, that the well-being of companion animals and the people of South African will be improved.
Responsible pet owners act pro-actively to ensure that their pets are happy and healthy, are a pleasure to their owners and to others and do not inconvenience those that live live around them.
We believe if these simple steps are applied by all pet owners or those thinking about getting a pet, that the well-being of companion animals and the people of South African will be improved.
How will it help us and our pets at home?
Making good choices means both pet owners and pets will be happier.
Prevention is better than cure and usually a MUCH cheaper tool.
Being responsible means that we respect people and animals so we don't give other people a reason to complain about us or our pets.
Prevention is better than cure and usually a MUCH cheaper tool.
Being responsible means that we respect people and animals so we don't give other people a reason to complain about us or our pets.
How long will my pet live for if I care for it properly?
Dogs and cats (10 to 20 years)
Aquarium Fish (2 to 15 years)
Rabbits (8 to 10 years)
Hamsters (2 to 3 years)
Reptiles:
Snakes (10 to 25 years)
Bearded dragons (3 -10 years)
Tortoises (70 - 100 years)
Aquarium Fish (2 to 15 years)
Rabbits (8 to 10 years)
Hamsters (2 to 3 years)
Reptiles:
Snakes (10 to 25 years)
Bearded dragons (3 -10 years)
Tortoises (70 - 100 years)
Birds (up to):
Finches (15 years)
Canaries (15 years)
Budgies (15 years)
Cockatiels (20 years)
Lovebirds (20 years)
Conures (30 years)
Amazons (50 years)
African Greys (50 years)
Cockatoos (65 years)
Macaws (60 years)
Doves and Pigeons (20 years)
Finches (15 years)
Canaries (15 years)
Budgies (15 years)
Cockatiels (20 years)
Lovebirds (20 years)
Conures (30 years)
Amazons (50 years)
African Greys (50 years)
Cockatoos (65 years)
Macaws (60 years)
Doves and Pigeons (20 years)
How much love and care will my pet need?
Your pet will have different needs at different life-stages. The fun and busy puppy or kitten stage needs lots of time to play and patiences and persistence in training.
Our adult pets need regular exercise and stimulation and still enjoy our company. There are wonderful activities inside and outside the home that will give both you and your pet hours of pleasure each week.
Our older pets needs our love and understanding. They may need help to cope with a bit of arthritis or gradual loss of sight and hearing, but are still a valuable and beloved part of the household. They can be included in many enjoyable activities. Just tone down the activity levels so that they can keep up.
Our adult pets need regular exercise and stimulation and still enjoy our company. There are wonderful activities inside and outside the home that will give both you and your pet hours of pleasure each week.
Our older pets needs our love and understanding. They may need help to cope with a bit of arthritis or gradual loss of sight and hearing, but are still a valuable and beloved part of the household. They can be included in many enjoyable activities. Just tone down the activity levels so that they can keep up.
Where should I get my pet from?
Always consider adopting your new pet from a rescue shelter.
Please contact us for reputable ones.
Specific breeds of puppies and kittens are best bought from a responsible and registered breeder. Large parrots should only be bought from a reputable breeder.
Avoid getting your dogs and cats from a pet shop; but good, clean and hygienic pet shops are a good place to buy aquarium fish and some types of birds, hamsters, rabbits and reptiles.
DO NOT catch wild animals and keep them as pets.
Please contact us for reputable ones.
Specific breeds of puppies and kittens are best bought from a responsible and registered breeder. Large parrots should only be bought from a reputable breeder.
Avoid getting your dogs and cats from a pet shop; but good, clean and hygienic pet shops are a good place to buy aquarium fish and some types of birds, hamsters, rabbits and reptiles.
DO NOT catch wild animals and keep them as pets.
What should we do or check when choosing a pet?
Make sure the pet is clean and does not have a snotty nose or mucky eyes. See if it is active and responds well to you. Do not buy an animal that is listless (no energy), coughing or sneezing.
For a dog or cat, make sure it is at least 8 weeks old. Check to see if it has a veterinary certificate with its first vaccination recorded (not just a piece of paper) and when it is due for its next vaccination.
Fish should be active, with smooth scales, whole fins (not raggedy) and no flaky spots on the body.
For a dog or cat, make sure it is at least 8 weeks old. Check to see if it has a veterinary certificate with its first vaccination recorded (not just a piece of paper) and when it is due for its next vaccination.
Fish should be active, with smooth scales, whole fins (not raggedy) and no flaky spots on the body.