durhamregion.com | This Week | Thursday, December 22, 2022 | | 22 DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA/ PROGRAM-INFO YOU BELONG AT DC LET US SHOW YOU AT OUR PROGRAM INFO NIGHTS JANUARY 17 & 18 FROM 5:30 TO 7:30 P.M. Even if they're inexpensive to adopt, a lot of time, money and effort goes into giving a pet the life they deserve. And as cute as they are, pets do not make the best presents. "It really needs to be an individual decision that they want to bring a pet into their home," says Lindsey Narraway, supervisor of Pickering Animal Services. Over the past year, Narraway has seen "a huge increase" in small animals that have either been surrendered or found as strays. "Speaking with some of my colleagues all across Ontario, they're seeing the same trend in their shelters as well, with very high numbers of rabbits," she says. Rabbits and guinea pigs can be found in other Durham Region animal shelters, including Oshawa Animal Services and the Humane Society of Durham Region. Here are some tips to keep in mind before adopting a pet. SMALL ANIMALS ARE STILL A LOT OF WORK "A lot of times people think that a small animal will be a perfect first pet for a family or small children, so a lot of times, people don't realize the kind of work that goes into the small animals," Narraway says. Cages should be cleaned once a week, and rabbits and guinea pigs require daily enrichment. "That is key because the more time people spend with their guinea pigs and rabbits, the more friendly and thriving they will be," Narraway says. CONSIDER THE TIME COMMITMENT Pets can live for many years and they should be a lifelong commitment. They also require time commitments each day. "You're going to have to bundle up and ensure the dog gets lots of exercise, even on those cooler days." Narraway says. And ensure your pet has somewhere to go if you leave for a vacation or for an emergency. CAN YOU AFFORD IT? Food, litter, small animal supplies such as bedding, hay and fresh produce, as well as vet visits, are all costs that will continue throughout your pet's life. Keep potential medical emergency costs in mind as well. ENSURE THEY ARE MICROCHIPPED AND LICENSED "If you are planning on getting a new dog or cat, make sure to check with your municipality and purchase your dog license so you get your license tag," Narraway says. "Your license tag will help ensure that if your pet ever gets lost then you'll ensure it gets returned home." RESEARCH When adopting a pet, look for one that's the right fit, size and energy level for your home. "You actually need to get past (the cuteness factor) sometimes and go and meet the animals to know there is that connection," Narraway says. Not all cats like to be picked up or sit on your lap, and some dogs just won't be the right fit for your family. "You have to consider the size of the dog, the breed," Narraway says. "The breeds are very important because they have the genetics behind them that can determine what their dispositions will be later on." PETS TAKE WORK Training your dog is a great way to help ensure it develops good behaviour. Over the last few years during the COVID-19 pandemic and when more people were working from home, Narraway found people would bring their new pet home and spend all their time together. Now, shelters are seeing anxiety issues in dogs after their owners returned to work. "Make sure to still train them right from the beginning to make sure it has independent alone time," she said. Visit pickering.ca/en/ living/adoption or any other Durham Region shelter or rescue if considering adoption. ADOPTING A PET? KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND Lindsey Narraway, Pickering Animal Shelter's supervisor, with a one-year-old male Lionhead rabbit called Simba that is up for adoption. There are a number of things people must keep in mind when they are considering the big commitment of adopting a pet. Dec. 14, 2022 Susie Kockerscheidt/Metroland KRISTEN CALIS KCalis@durhamregion.com COMMUNITY PETS REQUIRE TIME, MONEY AND COMMITMENT