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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday August 19, 2006 - 11 Potential pet owners should be aware of the costs "Free to a good home" may sound like a great opportunity, but for anyone considering pet ownership the cost of pet care can add up. "The cost of getting a pet is nothing compared to the cost of looking after it," stated Heather White, Community Outreach and Education Manager at the Oakville & District Humane Society (ODHS). "People factor the initial cost into ownership, but not the long term costs. When their budget cannot handle medical or behavioural problems that may occur in some pets, they are shocked and sometimes abandon the animal or surrender it to the local shelter." Each year the Oakville & District Humane Society provides a refuge for these unwanted animals, often overloading the facilities available. While in some cases the society offers a last hope, in other situations responsible pet ownership and planning would have prevented the need to use the ODHS services at all. "It is very busy at the society," added White. "We receive 10-20 calls a day from people looking to take home a kitten or puppy. We also receive 12-15 calls a day from people wishing to give up their animal." To help avoid this cycle, the ODHS staff recommends that people take time to understand the costs of ownership. While it is easy to get caught up in the emotion of getting a kitten or puppy, remember that this is one addition to your family that requires your attention and financial commitment long after the initial purchase. Breed variety, food, licensing, supplies, grooming, training and visits to the veterinarian are just some of the expenses to think about. Purebred animals are more expensive to purchase than mixed breeds. Non-shedding or nonallergenic breed varieties are more expensive than animals that shed. Rare breeds are generally more expensive than common ones. Once you decide on a breed, a reputable breeder is a good source of information about breed behaviours, vulnerability to specific diseases and the genetics of their animal's parents ­ a valuable resource to new owners. If you choose another buying source for your pet, make sure that you are being provided a healthy well-adjusted animal. If you are taking one home from an animal shelter make sure that you are aware of any medical or suspected behavioural problems. Once your choice is made, be sure that you can afford the basic necessities for your animal before committing to the purchase. There can be no more basic need for a pet than water and food. If you are feeding a 65pound dog, be prepared that you may be going through a 40 kilogram bag of dog food every two months. That adds up over a year. Dogs also require an annual licence if they live in the Town of Oakville. he 2005 licences are available at the Town of Oakville Building Licence Department (1225 Trafalgar Rd.) or at the ODHS (445 Cornwall Rd.) and cost $25/spayed or neutered or $50 for an unaltered dog. If your dog is picked up without this licence you will be charged an impoundment fee for its return ­ the cost is $30 and increases each time your dog is picked up. Cats are currently not licensed, but must wear identification in the Town of Oakville. They can also be registered at the ODHS to assist with safe return to their owners if found lost. There is also an impoundment fee of $20 to owners if the ODHS picks up their cat. An additional $10 is charged if the cat is not microchipped or is not wearing external identification when it comes into the shelter. As the tally sheet continues to grow, remember to add supplies and grooming. Dogs need a leash, cats need a litter box, birds need a cage, fish need an aquarium and water filter system, and exotic animals have their own unique requirements. Add grooming a non-shedding dog or longhaired cat breed ­ between $35 to $100/visit ­ and you will begin to understand the magnitude of your financial commitment as a pet owner. Training is another element on the pet ownership balance sheet. Dog owners in particular benefit significantly from having a well-behaved pet. Bringing your puppy to dog training classes is important. This will help you understand your dog better and help avoid behavioural problems. Classes range from $150-$300 per session. Behavioural problems can be treated, but can cost between $50-$150/hour for the services of a professional consultant. Most owners will need several sessions to resolve a problem. To avoid these problems in dogs, training classes are a good investment. Finally, veterinarian expenses are a key part of keeping a pet healthy. Young kittens and puppies in the first year require a lot of medical care PET OF THE WEEK: Want an amazing dog? Remy might just be the one for you. He is a wonderful sweet boy. Come down and meet him. Other animals can be viewed at www.oakvillehumane.ca for vaccinations, dewormings, health and parasite checks. Older dogs and cats require annual vaccines for rabies, with annual heartworm testing and medication optional. Long term care (for example allergy and thyroid problems in dogs are becoming more and more common, and bladder infections in cats) may require on-going medication or a dietary change. Pet insurance is now widely available and can help with expenses, but speak to your veterinarian about the right choice for your family. Before you make the choice to become a pet owner, make sure that the numbers add up in your life. The costs of pet care can be high. Think ahead before you make this financial and emotional commitment. -- Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society It's our Birthday Bash! Thanks for 14 Fabulous Years! BIRTHDAY WINE & BEER SALE Please Join Us This Saturday, August 19 from 11:00am to 3:00pm for Burgers, Hot Dogs & Birthday Cake 5 Days Only FRIDAY AUGUST 18 TO TUESDAY AUGUST 22 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Take Advantage of this Once a Year Sale to Have your Aged Wine Ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas Prepared by You on Site Purchase One Batch at Regular Price and Receive a Second Batch of Equal or Lesser Value For 1/2 Price (2337) Some conditions apply, see store for details. Valid August 18 to August 22/06. Limit 4 batches per customer. 3rd Line 481 North Service Road W. (905)825-BEER Book your brew time now! 825-BEER(2337) North Service Rd. EIN STEIN 4th Line Dorval 481 Q.E.W. 481 North Service Rd. (just west of Dorval) HOURS: MON. 12-5 TUES.-FRI. 12-8, SAT. 9-5, SUN. 11-3