Choosing a pet

Pet ownership can be an incredibly rewarding experience, enriching the lives of you and your family. But the decision to take on a pet should never be made lightly and is a big responsibility. Ultimately, you want a pet that is happy, healthy and suits your family and lifestyle.

Choosing whether to become a pet owner, and what pet you should get, should never be an impulsive decision. Take your time to think it through as there’s much to consider.

Can you care for a pet its whole life? Can you afford a pet? Do you know how to care for a pet? Is your home environment suited to a pet? Will a pet fit into your lifestyle? Is the pet you’re buying healthy?

Your local veterinarian can provide the help and advice you need, so booking in a time to meet with them is a great first step.

Do you have the time?

Animals need company, exercise/playtime, socialisation, and training. Ask yourself whether you have the time and patience for your pet. How much time can you invest in meeting their needs?

Can you care for them?

There are always the basics – food, water, warmth and shelter. But beyond this there are other aspects of care that are equally important – love and emotional needs, nutrition, exercise, play and training. Under the Animal Welfare Act, every owner has a duty of care to their pet.

There will be food, training, medicines and veterinarian fees to pay. As pets age, their health needs are also likely to increase so it’s recommended that you budget for their care taking a lifelong approach (the average age most dogs live is about 12 years, but can be longer).

Consider pet insurance – there are a number of providers to consider and various payment and coverage options.

Do you have the space?

Where is your pet going to live and do you have enough space? If you don’t have much room you might be better off purchasing a smaller animal than the big one you had in mind. If you're getting a dog, is there a park or other suitable walking area nearby to take them for their daily exercise?

Are there any allergies in your family?

Check that no-one in your family is going to be allergic to your new pet.

What are your expectations?

Think about what you want from your pet. Do you want an animal that will curl up on your lap quietly or one that you can take for big walks and expel some energy with? What experiences has the animal had to date in terms of its living situation? Does the environment it’s been in - for example, noisy and busy - match your home environment?

If you're getting a puppy, have they been socialised (ie been around other people and animals)? If the dog has lived a very quiet home life, you need to carefully introduce them to new experiences so they aren't afraid.

First health checks for your pet

Book an appointment with your local veterinarian for your pet's first check up. Find out what to expect when visiting your vet.

Seriously consider pet insurance

The NZVA strongly recommends that pet owners consider pet insurance. Please note that some insurance companies may charge more in insurance premiums, or not cover certain breeds, in relation to inherited disorders.

New Zealand Companion Animal Register

The NZVA and the Companion Animal Veterinarians of the NZVA have teamed up with other agencies to create a microchip-based national register that enables animal owners to locate lost (or found) animals. Find out more at animalregister.co.nz.

In the same way that ethics guide our purchases for food and clothing, the NZVA recommends prospective dog owners also consider ethical issues when buying a puppy or dog. Here are our top tips for bringing a dog into your family.

Adopt don't buy

Large numbers of healthy puppies and dogs need homes. Unless you have a specific requirement for a pet, consider adopting a rescue dog and save a life.

Don't support puppy farms

Never buy from puppy farms, even if you feel sorry for the dog. More puppies will be bred to replace the dog you buy; it's a vicious cycle. Look for breeders who have excellent welfare standards and raise the puppies in homes, socialising them so they adapt easily to their new home environment.

Visit the breeder

Visit the breeding facility and see the environment where the puppy is being raised. It should be comfortable and clean. The puppy should also be able to mix with people and other animals.

Meet the parents

Ask about the health history of the parents and ask to meet them. Be wary if the parents have needed surgery to enable them to breathe comfortably, correct eyelid issues or walk normally. Avoid buying puppies produced from mating closely related dogs. Consider their temperaments and avoid those that are aggressive or overly nervous.

Don't support breeders who produce puppies with severely exaggerated features

If buying a breed that has exaggerated features (flat face, large eyes, excessive skin, short legs, long ears), choose a breeder who is actively breeding away from extreme features.

Support breeders who screen the parents for inherited diseases

Support breeders who are registered with Dogs New Zealand (formally New Zealand Kennel Club) and participate in screening programmes that seek to eliminate inherited disorders. You can see what screening programmes are recommended for each dog breed at Universities Federation for Animal Welfare.

It is not enough for a breeder to just participate in the scheme; they must also use the results to inform the suitability of mating the dogs. Discuss the results of any tests performed with your veterinarian before you buy the puppy. 

Check how many litters the mother has produced

Responsible breeders of pet dogs shouldn’t need more than three litters to produce a daughter who is suitable to carry on the breeding lines. This means that older dogs can be retired from breeding duties and be desexed to avoid uterine infections. You should be concerned if a breeder has bred more than three litters from one female dog.

Check how old the mother was when mated

The risks of pregnancy complications are related to the age of the female dog. Breeding female dogs should ideally be between one and six years of age when they are mated.

Check if a caesarean section was required

Don't support breeders who subject their bitches to multiple caesarean sections. As a general guide, we suggest that the mother shouldn't have had more than two caesarean sections.

Ensure that the puppy's health has been well managed

A responsible breeder will have had the puppies checked by a veterinarian for any congenital defects or other health issues before they release them to their new owners.

The puppies should be on a regular parasite control programme and will have had any required vaccinations.

The puppies should have been fed a nutritious diet that meets all their needs so that they are well-grown and in good body condition.

Check the puppy is old enough to be released to new owners

Puppies must be weaned, fully self-sufficient, and at least eight weeks old before they are released to their new owners. For small breeds, waiting until 10 weeks of age is preferred.

Ensure that the puppy's behavioural needs have been met

Puppies should be socialised with people and other animals from three weeks of age. This markedly improves their ability to accept new experiences as they get older and reduces behavioural problems in the long term. Well-socialised dogs reduce the risks of being relinquished by their owners for behavioural problems.

Breeders must consider the parents' temperaments and ensure that only dogs with suitable temperaments are used for mating.

Select a breeder who will provide support and follow-up care

A responsible breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed and the care of new puppies. They will be keen to provide follow-up support and you should receive printed advice about:

• general care, housing and management
• appropriate diet
• legal responsibilities of animal ownership
• vaccination, de-sexing and registration

Breeders registered with Dogs New Zealand operate under a code of ethics, which requires them to provide follow-up support. If you source your puppy from a Dogs New Zealand registered breeder, you will be able to access their canine health and welfare officer to mediate if problems arise.

Further information

In the UK, the British Veterinary Association and the RSPCA developed resources about the responsibilities of both buyers and sellers in relation to a puppy’s health and welfare. There is an excellent section with 40+ questions you can ask to make a fully informed decision about your puppy and to help you care for it. Find this information at puppycontract.org.uk or rspca.org.uk.