Choosing the right pet for your family

As more and more parents choose to get pets for their children, local professional pet sitter Eric Esposito recommends families give careful consideration to choosing the best possible pet.

Demographic surveys of pet owners sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) show that families with children are more likely to own a cat, dog or other type of pet. With pet ownership at an all-time high and continuing to grow, many parents in Illinois are likely to welcome new pets into their homes this year.

While having a pet offers many positive benefits for children, Eric Esposito, Manager of the Prairie Path Pet Care Crystal Lake, encourages parents to choose wisely when selecting their family’s next pet.

Esposito recommends families consider the following before deciding on a new pet:

1. What type of pet is best for your family? While dogs and cats are still the most popular species, more households than ever before own small animals, reptiles and fish, according to 2013-2014 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey. Families with smaller living spaces should think carefully before bringing in a larger dog (or even a puppy) that would require room to exercise frequently. For these families, cats, caged pets or aquarium-based pets may be more ideal. Families with fenced-in backyards and/or ample time for walking and play are best suited for more active dogs. For families seeking a dog, it is best to do a breed research to which which may be best suited for your family.

2. What is your budget? Caring for a pet is a financial obligation, so it is important for families to consider how much they are able to invest when deciding on a new pet. Estimated costs to consider include food, veterinary care and miscellaneous items like collars, leashes, litter boxes and crates. The age of the pet can also play a factor in anticipated expenses. For families with dogs, many find older dogs to be more “budget friendly” as they do not require the training and housebreaking items that puppies require. However, depending on the pet’s health, older dogs could also incur more veterinary expenses—so it’s important to consider the pet’s needs, age and health when budgeting.

3. Who will take care of the pet? Families with older children may be able to teach about pet care and responsibility by having the children take on tasks like cleaning the litter box or feeding the fish. Parents with small children who require a lot of attention may need to consider if they have the time to devote to a puppy or other pet that requires frequent exercise or care. For parents who work long hours or juggle multiple family responsibilities, easier-to-care-for pets like fish or reptiles may be the best option. Families with limited time can also benefit from the services of a professional pet-sitting service such as Prairie Path Pet Care. Professional pet sitters can offer a variety of pet-care services for pet owners working long hours or when the families travel out of town and are unable to take their pets.

“Pets bring such joy to families, where Prairie Path focuses on personal and individual needs of the dogs, as they understand the unique relationship that each dog and family brings to people. It’s not just a dog walk, it’s a pet parent’s support system. We provide your pet with friendship, exercise and lots of love and you with peace of mind.” says Eric, manager of Crystal Lake.

Prairie Path Pet Care recently expanded to the Northern Suburbs, starting as a Wheaton-based dog walking & pet sitting company, and is proud to announce an exclusive new technology to the area. Pet Check Technology is the first and only software and mobile application solution that provides 100% peace of mind. Our clients will know exactly when and where their dogs are walked each and every day as well as a visit report on how their pet did. To learn more about Prairie Path Pet Care, visit www.ineedpetcare.com or call 815-673-7037.