Pet Help and Hotlines

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Caring for Your Pet

When taking care of a pet, there are a few key questions you may wish to consider:

• When does it sleep? Because animals have different sleeping patterns than humans, you need to find out when and how often your pet sleeps. For example, if your pet sleeps all day and is active at night, you may find this pet not right for you.
• What does it eat? Does your pet eat meat, or vegetables, or even other animals? If so, how do you plan to feed your pet? For example, having a mouse as a pet might require a very specific mixture of food; would you be able to provide enough variety of food so that your pet gets a healthy mixture?
• Will your pet need cleaning? Does your pet shed hair or skin? What about a litter tray? You must be prepared to be able to clean up after any messes your pet may make.
• How can you make sure your pet gets adequate exercise? Large animals such as dogs or horses must be walked. Cats, on the other hand need to be played with or have some toys they can play with on their own. Mice, hamsters and rats may need to have an exercise wheel, and amphibians must have enough room to move in their cage. Birds must have enough room to flap and stretch their wings as well.
• How large will your pet become? As your pet grows in age, it may not be the same size forever. The size of your pet all depends on diet and exercise; not all animals grow to the same size.
• How should you interact with your pet? If you have other people or other animals, your pet might be jealous. Will your family dislike your new pet? Will the new pet be safe in your household?
• How healthy is your pet? Is the pet strong and healthy, and easy to care for? Does it have a long or short lifespan? Can it cope with temperature changes? Reptiles and amphibians, for example, are lovely looking creatures but they need to be raised by experts. Though it's sad to hand over a pet to the professionals, it may not be the best idea to bring a pet home when it needs professional care.
• How much will your pet cost? The costs of an animal can be very pricey. You need several things: food, containers for food and water, vitamins, food supplements, a cage or tank, bedding and or litter, vet visits for check ups, injections, or emergency visits and the special equipment--toys, saddles, cat doors, leashes and more.

Sometimes, your pet may get sick or injured. If this happens, you need to be prepared and know who to call. It may be a good idea to have the telephone number and address of a local vet posted nearby for emergencies. Some hotline numbers relating to the care of pets are:

America

• 1-800-Humane-1 - The national hotline for reporting lost pets.
• 1-888-426-4435 - The ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center [Note: A consultation fee may apply].
• 1-888-4ANI-HELP - A number to call for help with any animal. [Note: A $50.00 per phone call rate may apply].
• 1-888-232-8870 - The Animal Poison hotline. [Note: $35.00 per incident charge - billed to credit card only].
• 1-800-858-7378 - National Pesticide Telecommunications Network, toll free.

United Kingdom

• Veterinary Ambulance For Liverpool and the Northwest
• Vet Nurse Animal Ambulance & Taxi
• Kernow Message Handling Service
• Out of hours telephone answering service for the veterinary industry