ADDING A NEW ANIMAL TO THE HOUSEHOLD...(Part 1)

CONSIDERATIONS

People are always asking if it is hard to have a multiple species household or how to bring in and introduce a new animal with the least amount of trauma. In both cases it is possible but you have to do some pre-planning and really evaluate if it is the best thing to do for your existing animals and your household..

LIFESTYLE EXAMPLES
One of my clients has six dogs, three cats and a variety of visitors. It causes very little upheaval when a new animal is brought into the fold. However, she is extremely limited in relation to her traveling without her menagerie and has a fairly large pet food bill, sustaining product bill (litter, supplements) and Veterinary budget to deal with. Since there are only a couple people in the household the animals have unique ways of demanding attention. It is also difficult to make sure they all have the attention they need or want and extremely demanding of time for grooming and other upkeep. (i.e., scooping the poop!)

There is another woman who has one dog and one bird. The bird and dog got along well after a fairly short integration period. Because the dog gets very focused attention and training, he is well mannered and well socialized. Where ever the owner travels, he travels. Her pet care bills are reasonable and she has more freedom to go and do.

One of the perks the second owner has is that the dog is so well mannered that he is welcome at homes of their mutual friends which allows him to travel more with his owner. Another of the perks is that he is toilet trained on command, which is great on the road. The bird, however, is not good with travel out of his environment yet (he was a trauma rescue) so he often stays at home with the sitter. They are both so well behaved that it is easy to find sitters and others to look after them if the owner is traveling without them.

These are two extremes of some perks and benefits and things to consider before adding another animal to your household. As with anything, there are always two sides to the picture and there are always various considerations to review.

QUESTIONNAIRE
Here are some questions to ask yourself BEFORE you bring another animal home with you:

1. Are your animals open to new companionship?
Some animals enjoy their exclusive relationship with you. They can become very territorial or emotionally distraught if you bring a new animal into the home. There are ways to deal with this to minimize the transition and adapt new animals or other species into the home, but you should consider your household as it is now and what you feel will be the reactions of your established pets.

2. Do you and/or your family have the time to spend with more animals?
Quality time with animals is more important than quantity. Some animals like to hang out with you while others will want to engage in play activities or excursions. It is not fair to add more animals if you think you will be unable to give them proper attention, care, and love. It is also incorrect to think they will entertain each other. Many times new animals will increase problem behaviors and you will have "Double Trouble." Usually animals will enjoy spending time with others of their species but there are many factors to consider before you attempt to bring another one into the family.

3. Can you financially provide for more animals?
Animals are a big commitment. The more you have the more resources they demand. If you have increased Veterinary bills, a larger food bill, specialized needs (toys, carriers, bowls, leashes, etc.,), and special emotional demands (behaviorist, trainer budget) can you provide them if they are necessary?

4. Is the motive for obtaining the animal emotionally driven or pre-planned? Is it realistic?
If you have suffered a loss, just saw the most adorable litter, or received a gift of an animal are you committed to the reality of what that animal will need for the duration of that animal's life?

5. Will the animal be healthy and current on shots BEFORE you bring them into the home?
This is critical to a multiple animal household. Sometimes you may want to have tests run and make sure all the vaccinations are done. If not you may introduce parasites, disease, or infections to your current pets.

Could you answer all these questions positively? If yes, then read more about integration. If no, then please reconsider and pick the more humane action.

FINAL NOTES BEFORE INTEGRATION
Countless times the phone rings with people looking to place animals. It actually breaks my heart and makes me mad that people will treat these emotionally bonded family members like furniture. Many people do not think in advance. It is hard to find rental property with animals, it limits your freedom, and you will encounter a variety of other inconvenient things. ANIMALS ARE A LIFELONG COMMITMENT. If you have anything else in mind you are being irresponsible and cruel. Giving up an animal is like giving up a child, the emotional repercussion on you is minimal, it is much worse to the dependent who has depended on you for their well-being, love, and protection.

Fortunately there are many people really are committed to their animals and provide for their emotional, physical and mental needs. When you work with behavior you see all types of scenarios and both the very best and very worst. When we collectively start caring better for those animals who entrust us with their very souls, then we will be able to extend that caring to the environment, and other people. It takes effort, commitment, concern, and love. If you can provide that to an animal, then you are ready to move on.