Questions tagged [pet-selection]
The process of choosing which pet to adopt. This tag is for making decisions on which species fits your lifestyle, or researching a species to find out more about them, but NOT for pet recommendations.
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How can we find a dog to "test drive"?
My girlfriend is interested in getting a puppy. We have been doing some research before getting one, and the book "Before you get your puppy" says on page 9 of the linked PDF:
Make sure you ...
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Are there any special considerations when taking in a stray cat?
I have friends who recently found a stray cat (who appears to be a little older than a kitten, but not much).
They want to keep her (if she doesn't belong to anyone), but don't know anything about ...
user53
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Is there anything I should know or consider before giving a pet as a gift?
I want to give someone a pet as a gift. I was thinking of making it a Christmas gift, but it could be a birthday gift if I don't find the right pet soon. So I was discussing the options with some ...
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Do ferrets get along with other pets?
While reading about things to know when acquiring a ferret, I came across this article that says that ferrets do not get along with other pets:
Most ferrets don't get along with birds, fish, ...
user34
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Is there a pet which eats flies
Is there any pet which I can hold indoors in Central European household and which eats flies (and any other insects) flying around my house? I got plenty of them because my neighbor has a pig farm ...
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How should I select a puppy from a litter?
I've heard different recommendations on how to pick a puppy from a litter to fit a person's needs/lifestyle. I've heard that if I live an active lifestyle, then I should pick the one that runs up to ...
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How can you tell if a kitten will have long or short hair?
This weekend I visited a friend who had a new kitten (about 8 weeks old). The kitten has a fuzzy coat, but most kittens seem to have a fuzzy coat from what I can tell through internet searches.
We ...
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For two kittens in the apartment, how important is gender?
I have a male kitten—1.5 month old Maine Coon, who has been living with us for a week or so—and there is possibility to have another one, not necessary the same breed, for their own good and our fun. ...
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Would a sailfin dragon get along with a cat?
I've read that Sailfin Dragons a quite receptive of human handling and can make pretty good pets. I'm curious if that means they would get along with other animals too.
I have two cats, and they're ...
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When choosing a cat, how to determine temperament and personality and decide on a good fit?
For the last few months, I have been gradually preparing to adopt my very first cat! I've been a fish owner and a partial dog owner before, but have never taken care of a cat on my own before and have ...
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What age of snake is best for a pet?
I want to buy a snake and am interested in whether or not I should buy an adult snake or a baby snake. I have heard from my friend that an older, adult snake can be more frisky but when I went to the ...
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What is the difference between a "reputable breeder" and a "pet mill?"
I have seen and heard some really bad things about puppy mills and other pet mills. And many places, like the AKC, recommend finding a reputable breeder to purchase an animal directly rather than ...
user9
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3
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What should I consider before deciding to adopt a ferret?
I want to adopt a ferret in addition to my dog and chickens.
The answers to "Do ferrets get along with other pets?" suggest ferrets will have no problems with other pets as long as they still get ...
user34
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Can a hamster and a tortoise/land turtle coexist peacefully?
We're interested in keeping a hamster in the house, and I know my wife is fond of small reptiles.
Is it possible to keep a tortoise and a hamster in the same enclosure?
I'm thinking this is ...
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Does age matter when adopting a cat (if you already own a cat)?
If I already have a cat (or a kitten), and I want to get another to keep it company.
Say the cat I have already is a couple years old, is it okay for me to get a new kitten? Or the other way around? ...
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How can I tell whether adopting a second cat is a good idea?
I have a 7-year-old female cat, adopted from the Humane Society last September. About a month ago we moved from a two-story house into a smaller one-bedroom condo. Perhaps because I brought a lot of ...
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What breeds of dog are known for handling separation anxiety well? [closed]
My wife and I are looking for a dog, preferably a larger breed of dog such as a Siberian Husky or German Shepherd. The problem that I am having with the situation is that my wife and I both live an ...
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Are crows good pets?
So I was curious about owning a pet crow, do you guys know in which state in the US it is legal and if it is a good idea. I have seen that they are very smart and I was wondering if by using this ...
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New cat for my other cat
I just lost my male 16 years old cat. I have a 5 years old female, very sweet but lonely. She is declawed in her front feet. I want to get her a new cat, what age, sex and with the claws do you ...
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How do I choose a supplier where the fish are treated humanely and are likely to be healthy?
I would like to buy fish that have been treated properly before being sold.
The first thing that jumps out at me is that obviously a bigger tank is better. One online resource I found essentially ...
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How do I avoid purchasing a rabbit with genetic health problems?
I recently discovered that my lionhead rabbit has a genetic defect, which causes him to have severe respiratory issues. The defect was actually bred into the rabbits because the breeders desired a ...
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How does one go about selecting a "good" rescue shelter?
18 months after losing our previous dog, we've finally decided we are ready for another dog. We'd like to get a rescue dog, but after some initial searching, we're finding a lot of different breed ...
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How accurate are personality descriptions given by a rescue organization?
When browsing pets online through many websites like Petfinder, rescue groups will list some personality characteristics (snuggler, good with kids, etc).
How do they determine these personality ...
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What is the basic care needed for a siren?
I have the opportunity to get a siren or two, but like always, I want to make sure that I'm prepared to care for them before I get them.
I know they're very closely related to axolotls, with the ...
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Koalas as pets in the EU
Are Koalas allowed and realistically viable as pets in the EU (Ireland)?
Many reasons speak for them as good pets:
they are cute.
they appear to be clean
they dont make noise
they are also cute. ...
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Can we leave a pug alone for 9 to 11 hours during the day?
We are thinking of getting a Pug but want to know if this breed of dog would be okay left alone during the day. The dog could be alone for up to 11 hours but usually more like 9 hours.
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What mammals that are commonly kept as pets can be kept healthy on a vegan diet? [closed]
We know from Can I feed my cat a vegetarian or vegan diet? that trying to force a vegan diet on some types of pets might not be healthy.
If someone is looking for pet, with a preference for a ...
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What would be a good breed of dog for a first time owner?
My wife and I just bought a new house and we're interested in getting a dog companion. Problem is that neither of us has had a dog before and we're a bit uncertain what would be a good choice.
The ...
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What do I have to consider before getting a sugar glider as a pet?
I am thinking about getting a sugar glider as a pet. What are the main issues I should think about before getting one? Also, I am planning to buy a dog (boxer) later on when we move to a bigger home, ...
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Younger siblings fed cat that is not ours and now the cat won't leave
My younger siblings secretly gave food to a cat that lives nearby, (belongs in the area but not to an immediate neighbour.) Once I found out, I realised this needed to stop.
However, the cat has ...
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How to find a dog breed that will not suffer hip issues due to slippery floors and steep staircases and the like?
I know that some dog breeds are more prone for hip issues than others, and those can be aggravated by them having to climb stairs or walking on slippery floors.
When selecting a dog breed, what can I ...
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How much daily activity does a Newfypoo need?
I am thinking about getting a Newfypoo (a cross between a Newfoundland and a Poodle) puppy. How much daily playtime and training does a Newfypoo need on average?
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Is it safe to let a pet lick your face?
Many people let their pets, such as a dog, lick their face and lips. Is this safe or are there any serious problems with this?
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Do all Siberian Huskies have blue eyes?
I want to buy a Siberian Husky, and I'm interested in knowing if they all have blue eyes or if they have different eye colors.
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How can I get my cat to like me?
I have a five year old cat, named Binx, which I've had him since birth. I also have two other cats that are his sisters and they are only four years old.
Binx has never really been a cuddly, ...
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Best pet for a blind person
I'd like to know what would be the best pet for me as a blind person.
I don't like dogs at all due to something bad that happened to me and my annoyance with puppies. However, I'm considering either ...
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Is it a good idea to get a kitten for an elderly woman?
My mother is 77 and very active but she does feel quite lonely. I spoke to her about getting a kitten and she is keen. I wanted to know if this is a good idea for an elderly woman?
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Should I consider a Maltese or English Bulldog with children (ages 3-11 years)?
I have smaller brothers. One have 3 years, another have 5, another 7 and another have 11 years.
What dog is better for these children? Maltese or english bulldog?
I have a small house, without ...
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Are there any health concerns for Birman cats?
I'm considering buying a Birman kitten (not in the near future, but in prospect), and I can't find any info on genetic diseases and other health issues connected with this breed. Sites and breeders ...
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Where to find/buy a good puppy?
Hello I'm currently looking for a dog for my family and I'm not really sure where to start my research. In the past I've always gotten a dog through a friend of a friend but we recently moved and I ...
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Family loyal dog for long-term travel
I'm in the process of downsizing my life. Putting the kid through college and moving into travel trailer living. As a single woman I'd like a dog that is loyal and admittedly a little intimidating for ...
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How does care differ between a Labrador and Cane Corso?
We have a Labrador of 15 months and we are looking for a Cane Corso puppy. Our Labrador is quite big for a Labrador. Both dogs will be male.
What I do wonder, is if this the best combination, since ...
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Can any breed participate in lure coursing?
I know sight hounds like whippets are normally used for lure coursing but can any breed participate? Are there breeds that it would be best to avoid lure coursing with and if so, why?
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What indicators show a rat is healthy prior to purchasing it as a pet?
In 2013, a boy was tragically killed from rat-bite fever, which a lawsuit states was contracted from a pet rat he had been given 2 weeks prior. The rat had been purchased from a pet store; in this ...
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Is there a breed of rabbit that doesn't grow more than the size of a hand?
A pet shop owner has a litter of tiny bunnies (maybe mini lop/lion head crosses) and she is claiming that they will remain that size into adulthood. She says that they were imported from Holland. Can ...
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Yorkshire Terrier, Long snout versus short snout?
My question is pertaining to the Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie). I am specifically referring to Champion line show breed. Apparently, Yorkies have two different types of snout. Some of them have Short ...
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Should I get a small animal or a dog to take to college with me?
When I go to college I plan on getting or bringing a pet with me, I'm trying to decide if a papillon (dog breed) or a small animal (ferret, rat, sugar glider, or Madagascan Hissing Cockroach).
I ...
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Is it OK to adopt unknown breeds?
I thank you all in advance for your answers.
I am a dog-lover and I'm going to adopt my first dog in a few weeks (I couldn't do so before because of lack of time and space)
Now I'm wondering if is it ...
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Pet options for an immunosuppressed family member [closed]
My wife and I recently moved down to TX from WI. Back in WI, our pet needs were amply met by us visiting her parents who owned dogs, cats, horses, llamas, chickens, rabbits...you get the picture.
...
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Mini Aussie as an office dog?
I've been thinking of adopting a Mini Australian (or North American) Shepherd. I am gone at work most of the day, but work in a dog-friendly office, so I was thinking that I could take her to work so ...
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