1	Chapter 3 Small Animals as Pets
2	Objectives List the questions a person should ask before buying a pet Compare the different options available for obtaining a pet Describe what is meant by responsible pet ownership List the important lessons children can learn from their pets
3	Objectives Describe the benefits pets can have for the elderly Define euthanasia Describe the importance of euthanasia to a pet owner
4	Important Questions Where should I obtain a pet? Pet Shops Purebred Breeders Animal and Human Shelters Friends and Neighbors
5	Important Questions How much space do I have for a pet? Apartment House Farm
6	Important Questions What animal does my lifestyle allow? Dogs require walking, grooming etc… Cats are less demanding Fish are even less
7	Important Questions How much will the animal cost? Initial Cost Feeding Vet bills Pet deposits
8	Important Questions What will the future bring? Will animal be wanted when it is no longer cute and cuddly? Animals for children that grow up?
9	Important Questions Does everyone in the family want a pet? Everyone should agree to share responsibility Allergies should be considered
10	Important Questions What kind of personality do I have? Should match to pets Active (Hunting dogs) Lazy (Cats)
11	Important Questions Is this animal a fad or a status symbol? Insure the reason you are buying the animal Insure the quality and price of the animal
12	Important Questions What am I going to use this animal for? Especially important for dogs hunting show working guard
13	Children and Pets Responsibility Social Skills Respect and Compassion Grief and coping with loss
14	Euthanasia Having a veterinarian induce death quickly and painlessly to a sick or severely injured pet
15	Problem of pet overpopulation People must be educated to the problem Animal control laws must be passed and enforced People must recognize the importance of spaying and neutering
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