So you’re thinking about adopting a pet, but you\u2019ve got about a bajillion questions: Cat or dog? Big or small? And what about if you leave Shanghai? Local pet-shelter Paw Pals Animal Rescue volunteer Alejandra Vasquez and Jane Saw of animal rescue network Best Friends China share their tips on getting your home prepared for the arrival of your new four-legged flatmate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s your plan?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A pet isn\u2019t just for Shanghai, it\u2019s for life. One problem shelters face is rehoming adolescent and adult pets left behind when people leave China, \u2018Everybody wants kittens or puppies \u2013 not senior animals,\u2019 explains Vasquez. Which is why one of the most important questions any potential pet-adopters need to ask themselves is: Can I commit long term?<\/p>\n\n\n\n While doable in most cases, leaving China with your pet can be complicated and requires a fair amount of pre-planning \u2013 rules and regulations can vary vastly depending on the animal and your destination country\u2019s pet importation laws. For example, Vasquez advises, if you\u2019re heading for the Americas it\u2019s relatively simple and you can start planning a month in advance, whereas if you\u2019re headed for the European Union (especially the UK), the process is much more stringent, more costly, and will need at least four months planning. And then there are countries that don\u2019t allow pets to be imported directly from China at all, like Australia and New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What animal is right for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One factor to consider is how your pet will fit into your lifestyle. It\u2019s a no-brainer that any animal you take into your home is going to need a hefty amount of TLC, but, of course, some need more attention than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saw explains that when it comes to dogs, \u2018Everybody wants a puppy, but they require a lot of attention, training, and they\u2019re very energetic \u2013 they need to be walked three to four times a day.\u2019 Families with tighter schedules might be better off with an adolescent or adult dog with less energy and relatively fewer needs than a pup. \u2018It also varies by breed,\u2019 Saw continues. \u2018Certain dogs like Labradors and Border Collies really need to run a lot.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another important factor is your new pet\u2019s temperament \u2013 it should be personality over looks every time for a better long-term match. Try to go to adoption days or shelters as a family to see who you all bond with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s the deal with your landlord?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you own your own place, it\u2019s important to ask you landlord or building management whether pets are allowed before you adopt to avoid potential issues later down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep doors and windows closed or covered<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Inquisitive creatures, cats and dogs are brilliant at exploring their surroundings, but not always safely so. If you leave windows in your house open, both Vasquez and Saw recommend that you cover them with mesh screens \u2013 and the same goes for front doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be wary of toxic plants and other harmful edibles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Vasquez warns that there are a number of plants that are actually poisonous to cats and dogs that you\u2019ll want to keep far out of reach. One especially devilish example are lilies, all varieties of which are toxic to cats \u2013 sometimes fatally so \u2013 and certain types of which are toxic to dogs, too. Other common poisonous plants (on a fairly long list) are tulips, azaleas and sago plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saw recommends keeping your bins out of reach and emptying them regularly. Food waste like cooked bones, chocolate and garlic could cause your pet all sorts of trouble if discovered during an unapproved rummage through the rubbish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep an eye on electric cables<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cats and dogs are known for nibbling, and sometimes there\u2019s just nothing more tempting than a laptop to charger cord or lamp lead, which is why Vasquez recommends hiding cables out of sight where possible and covering electrical outlets to prevent shocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Playtime<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your day consists of a lot of time out of the house at the office or school, it\u2019s important that you leave your pet with the means to keep itself entertained and active (otherwise run the risk of boredom and ensuing destruction). Vasquez recommends stockpiling interactive toys for solo play when you\u2019re out and about, like puzzles, treat dispensers, durable chew toys and more. A cat tree or scratching post is also a must-have for cat owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Potty training<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Every pet is different when it comes to toilet habits, but when training your pet to use pee pads or a litter tray, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. Keep it clean \u2013 not only to help prevent odours, but because your pet doesn\u2019t want to use a dirty toilet any more than you do, which can lead them to look elsewhere. For litter trays, Vasquez recommends using unscented, soft litter; and as well as scooping the tray every day, she suggests emptying all the litter and washing it out at least once a month. It\u2019s also best to put your pet\u2019s toilet in a quiet place to give them some privacy to do their business.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPet-proofing your home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The essentials for\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n