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SALT LAKE CITY -- The actual laws about how many pets you can have in your home vary from county to county. For instance, in Salt Lake County you can have three dogs, as long as the third is a rescue dog. While some families can take care of multiple pets without any problems, for others, having one is too many.
Salt Lake County Animal Services Director Shawni Larrabee says, "A lot of people think they want a puppy or a kitten. Well, that's a lot more work. You've got a lot more training involved. You've got housebreaking [to do]."
Larrabee says many people adopt a new pet based on how cute it is or how much they love animals in general. But, this could lead to serious issues. Without proper training, a puppy could end up becoming a bigger dog no one in the family wants to spend time with. Larrabee says these dogs may develop problems interacting with humans because they have so little interaction with the family that is supposed to care for it.
Here are some of the factors families should consider before taking home a new pet.
Money
Even if one pet isn't eating through all your cash, adding another could become a serious expense. Larrabee says there is a lot more to worry about than food.
"They're going to need toys. They're going to need grooming. They're going to need veterinary care. They should all have regular veterinary care and then as they get older, they have medical issues just like people do," she explains.
Lifestyle
Someone living in a small condo may have just enough space for their cat, but adding a small dog to the family might be a bit too much. The dog will require many walks if there isn't enough space for it to play in. If someone doesn't really have an active lifestyle, it may not be a good idea to adopt an active puppy.
Temperament
Not all breeds of dogs or cats act the same, and not every animal in a particular breed will act alike, either. Larrabee says there are many websites that can guide potential pet owners to pick the right kind of pet for their family.
"There are actually tools out there for cats where you can go in and basically do what is a behavior assessment to kind of get a feel for how interactive this cat is going to be and how demanding they're going to be of your time," she says.
Larrabee says these tools are available for dogs, as well.
Try before you buy
Let's say you've owned cats but you feel like you want to adopt a dog as well. You've been perfectly able to care for your feline friends but that doesn't necessarily mean you're ready for a canine. Larrabee says it's important you find someone who has the kind of animal you are considering adopting. Get to know the characteristics of this pet, and maybe borrow that dog or cat for a short time.
"Find a friend who has a dog and ask if you could do a sleepover," Larrabee suggests. "Have the dog come and stay with you for a little while. See what it's like to have that animal live in your home."
Most of all, Larrabee says it's important to know when to ask for help. She says it's not easy to admit you're over your head when it comes to caring for a new four-legged friend. But she says county shelters are able to help you if you're overwhelmed.
E-mail: pnelson@ksl.com
