more pets

     frogs

Getting a frog shouldn't be considered all that different from getting a cat or dog. It can be a lot of work, and you need to think about what you're going to do when you go on holiday.
Also, frogs aren't like goldfish in that they can live for a very very long time!
You may need a special license to keep frogs in some countries.

Frogs need to be fed on a regular basis. Keep in mind where your food source is going to be. Generally speaking, this isn't going to be as easy as picking up food at local grocery stores! In addition, if you get a frog that eats live bugs. For your first frog, I strongly recommend the African Dwarf Frog. These guys are small, active, cute, and about as difficult to maintain as a tank of goldfish. You also don't have to deal with live bugs and they can be kept in the same conditions as goldfishes, as long as there is a cover! Dwarf frogs are very easy to take care of once they've become used to their new home. As with all fish, expect the first couple of weeks for adaptation time (many times pet stores will sell frogs that are already sick, or that are very very small and which may be a bit fragile in the first couple of weeks.)

              turtles and tortoises

• Turtles and Tortoises are a long term commitment. Turtles and tortoises that are well cared for can be expected to live for 50 years (some species can live to be 100!)

• All turtles and tortoises should have exposure to either UVA/UVB producing bulbs (i.e. those designed for reptile keeping) or through natural exposure to sunlight (many tortoise keepers use outdoor pens if they live in an appropriate climate).
• Most turtles grow fairly large and need correspondingly large tanks or enclosures.
• Box turtles and tortoises do best if they can be in outdoor pens for at least part of the year.
• Most turtles need a variety of foods including fresh vegetables in fruits. Even for species where formulated food is available, this should only make up a portion of the diet.
• Large turtles can produce a lot of waste.
• Some species need to hibernate, which is sometimes quite stressful for the turtle.
• Most tortoises grow and live a lot, but there is probably a tortoise or turtle that is perfect for you.
• The Hermanns tortoise is the ideal pet for older children. It doesn't grow very big [15cm] long.

From mice and rats to gerbils and chinchillas, rodents have very different needs so it’s important to research what your particular small furies need.

Some rodents that are kept as pets are classified as 'non-domestic' animals and meeting their specific needs can be very difficult.

Guinea pigs are a very cute addition to the regular house hold but like most small pets they need regular care such as cleaning, feeding and playing with. Small pets are an easy beginner pet for children.

Owning and caring for a pet rodent is great fun and very rewarding, but it is a big responsibility and commitment in terms of care and finances.  If you own or are responsible for a pet, even on a temporary basis, you are required by law to care for it properly.

Tips

• Adoption can help or even save the lives of animals and is extremely rewarding.
• Make sure that when you buy your pet that he/she likes you, and you like him.
• Use care in purchasing a pet from a pet shop. Some disreputable shops get their puppies and kitten from unregulated breeding centres This can mean the animals have genetic problems, which can cause behaviour problems or physical problems which will require veterinary care.
• Do check into local rescue groups or shelters for your perfect pet.
• You may want to start small like a fish then build up to like a hamster or rodent and see if pets are your thing. When you're ready try the harder pets but remember to know everything there is to know before buying a pet! Otherwise if you are confident enough then you may go for a cat or dog or reptile.
• Always research about a pet before you buy it. It will help you take care of it's needs.
• Don't get frightened by all of this. A pet can be a loving addition to your life and family, and the simple work and responsibility is well worth it. Surely you still must be responsible and caring.

• If your parents say no, try dog walking, pet sitting, or volunteering at an animal shelter to show your parents how much you want to be involved with animals. Then tell your parents that you will buy all of the equipment for the animal yourself, if possible.
• If you really like two pets, ask your parents which one they'd prefer.

.

Warnings

• Most importantly, remember to be patient. Keeping a pet is not always easy. Most animals establish their presence in your life in a very strong way and keeping things neat and ordered all the time will be impossible. Always try to keep in mind how important the pet is to you and that having one is a very rewarding experience.
• Pets are for life.
• The same applies for fish. Do not release store bought fish in a lake or river or ocean, the fish will die for many reasons. Your fish was bred for an aquarium with chemicals, it could poison the lake.
• Different animals have different requirements. Dogs need open spaces to run around, and cats need to come and go as they please. Birds are social animals and require a buddy or a mate. Make sure you can provide for these requirements before getting a pet.
• If you don't want a lizard or reptile you already have, don't release it in the nearest field! This is very bad for the environment and the lizard will most likely die.
• Think about size. If you live in an apartment, you probably should not get a pet that doesn't suite your habitat.
• If you are allergic to dogs or cats, getting one may be risky. Try borrowing a friend's first.

1.      Ask yourself various questions about different kinds of pets: Aquatic Pets  
• How much space will you provide to your fish? Do you have a plug near your free space? (for an aquarium).
• Do you have enough time? This means more than feeding. Do you have the time to commit to regular aquarium cleaning. washing the entire structure and then gently putting the fish back.?
• 

  
  
• Avian Pets
• 
  
  • Do you have enough space? The larger the bird the larger the cage it needs.
  • large parrots, have long life spans. African Grey parrots, for example, live an average of 50 years. Budgies, on the other hand, live 5-15 years. Don't choose a bird that you're not willing to make a lifetime commitment to.
  • Do you have time to spend with them? Cages need to be cleaned regularly depending on the species. They need at least a time daily of interaction with a human. A lone bird can get bored easily and can develop bad habits of over-grooming and over-eating which can be life-threatening. Toys and appropriate avian companions can help mitigate this issue, but they still require interaction with the family, they may not get along with their bird companions and it would also affect overall costs, space, etc.
• Many avian pets are prey species. As such, they have evolved to not show signs of illness until they're almost dead. You need to have a keen sense of observation to be able to get your bird medical attention promptly?
• Remember some avian pets are a life time commitment.
• 
  

  

  Lizards/Snake
• 
  
  
  
  • Will you be prepared for a long living pet?
  • Will you be willing to feed it crickets and mice?
  • Do you have enough space? Snakes and some lizards can grow to very large sizes depending on the breed. Are you prepared for increasing space requirements?
  • Who will look after it when you go away? Choose the most appropriate type of snake and lizard suiting your maintenance level and environment.
  • Dogs/Cats
  • • 
      
      

      

      Are you allowed dogs/cats where you are living?Are you prepared to walk a dog to provide sufficient exercise?
    • Having an unruly animal can play havoc with your life. Even if you decide not to attend a formal obedience program, you should be prepared to doing some reading and apply necessary discipline for basic training.
    • How much attention can you devote? Most dogs have to be walked every day and have to go outside to relieve themselves.
    • Who will look after it when you go away for a while? Check for the availability of pet sitters in your area, if you do not have friends or family who are willing to care for your pet when you are away.
    • Do you move around a lot? Dogs particularly may not respond well to frequent changes in their immediate habitat.
    • Are you getting an adult pet or a young pup/kitten?
    • Dogs and Cats can live up to an average of 15 years, depending on breed. Will you be up to that much commitment?
    • Can you afford
    • yearly vet bills and unexpected vet bills? You may wish to consider Pet Insurance.

Adopting the right pet can be difficult. Think about what type of animals you like. Do you like small pets that are low maintenance Or do you like medium care pets? Or do you like large animals? That need a lot of care and attention. When your thinking about size remember how it is natural for animals to grow, it all depends on the type of pet you choose.

The cost of a pet can make a difference in choosing your pet. Consider both the initial cost to purchase the animal as well as on-going maintenance cost of feeding, veterinary care, housing facilities.

If you're thinking of getting exotic pets, check your location and federal laws on owning your pet. Also keep in mind importing your pet from abroad

Look at what your housing allows. If you're renting or living in a flat does your building allow the type of pet that you want? Rules can vary widely.