A Moment of Paws

By Dr. Edward Schettino

When a family is ready to consider bringing a new pet into their home, many jump to the idea of cats and dogs. And while these furry companions can be a great addition to your family, they don’t necessarily work for all households.

For example, if you live in an apartment or small home with no or limited outdoor space, an active dog may not be the best fit. Additionally, landlords that don’t accept cats or dogs, may be open to smaller animals that won’t disturb other tenants or scratch surfaces.

Your lifestyle is also a big factor. If your family is always on-the-go due to work, school, or travel, pets that require less daily maintenance or can more easily accompany you might be better.

And finally, think about how a new pet would affect those in your household. Is anyone in your family allergic to fur or pet dander, or are there small children or elderly relatives living in your home? If so, a hypo-allergenic, less rambunctious pet might be for you.

If you’re considering pet adoption, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) encourages families to think beyond cats and dogs, and open their minds to more nontraditional species. Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, and other small animals make amazing pets. Many small animals are active, social, and love human attention.

Ready to adopt a small animal? Here are 5 tips to get you started:

1. An appropriately-sized cage or enclosure is key. You’ll want to provide your small animal with an enclosure that gives them enough room to explore and exercise, while having separate areas for sleeping, eating and drinking, and going to the bathroom. Keep in mind that small animals need time out of their cages every day for exercise, handling and training.
2. Toys are important for stimulation. You’ll also want to provide items for your small animal to chew – for rabbits and guinea pigs chewing on wood-based items helps keep their teeth short and in good shape.
3. Research what food and treats they eat. Your local pet store will have specialized food for your small animal, but extras like hay, leafy greens and vegetables are important for a complete diet, offering variety and treats too!
4. Don’t forget about grooming. Items to keep on-hand include a brush and nail trimmer.
5. Make an appointment with your local veterinarian. Just like cats and dogs, small animals need regular check-ups to ensure they’re healthy and happy.

Finally, if you’re new to the small animal world, don’t be afraid to ask questions when going through the adoption process. The more you know, the more confident you’ll be as a pet owner.

Dr. Edward Schettino is the President and CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and has a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Pet questions? Email ARL at [email protected].