North Devon Branch

Taking on a pet is a very great responsibility and should not be done without serious thought and consideration.

If it is a puppy, kitten or other young animal, you will have to consider the cost of vaccinations and neutering, as well as good quality food and bedding etc.

Another important question is the life expectancy of the animal and whether you will be able and willing to care for it for the whole of it's natural life.

Responsible owners get their pets micro-chipped, so that if it strays or gets lost you can be traced as the owner and quickly re-united.

From time to time your pet may need veterinary treatment which could be very expensive. It is wise to insure the animal against ill health and accidents.

With the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act, every owner has 'a duty of care', which includes getting your pet to a vet if it is sick or injured, as well as providing basic care and attention to meet an acceptable quality of life level appropriate to it's species.

All these aspects must be considered when deciding to take on a new pet, but if you already own an animal, the same laws will apply and this may prove to be a financial burden which you cannot afford.