Being a pet owner so so difficult – at times. Yes, there are many, many wonderful things about living with animal companions but are these outweighed by the negatives? What can we do about pet problems and problem pets and society’s expectations of our pets?
Why being a pet owner is so difficult?
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Finding a pet-friendly place to live is difficult
Perhaps you are lucky and own your own free-standing home, so can own as many pets as you wish. If, however, like many other people, you live in an apartment or you rent your home, then pets may be a luxury.
For many landlords and people who live in close proximity to others, pets are seen as a nuisance, a destructive liability. Since we cannot ban children, who could perhaps be labelled in a similar fashion to pets, people in power like to exert their influence over pet owners. They are choosing to ignore that pet owners can be responsible, that pets are good for us and that pet owners are often willing to pay more for a place to live and stay longer than your average resident.
How to improve the housing with pets situation
Renting with pets is possible. Here are some tips on finding a pet-friendly apartment. Write a resume for your pet to help enhance your chances of finding pet-friendly accommodation.
2. Taking your pet on public transport is difficult
Taking your pet on public transport is not only difficult in many places; it is impossible. Many trains planes, buses and taxis have a ban on animals. Airplanes may make the pet travel as cargo. Transport companies fear dog bites, cat vomit, bird noise and many other pet behaviours. Of course, people always behave perfectly on public transport!
In countries and cities that allow pets on their transport, people survive. They don’t get bitten, collapse from allergies to pet hair or have to put up with a dog on their lap for a 5-hour flight. Pet owners often ensure that their pet behaves exceptionally well on transport.
This difficult that pet owners face means that, unless you are a car owner, in some cases you cannot take your dog to a vet or an off-leash area. Not everyone is old enough or young enough or financially well-off enough to have a car.
How to improve the pets on public transport situation
Try campaigning with your local council to have more dog parks. Find other ways to entertain your dog, such as play dates with doggy friends or running with your dog. Have home visits from your vet. Petition your local transport authorities to allow pets on public transport. Make sure you follow the rules when your pet does travel, such as this advice for frequent flying pets.
3. Taking your pets to any public place is difficult
Every city and country is different where they allow pets to go. In some countries, you see pets at the dining table of a restaurant. In others, you scarcely see a pet.
In Australia, laws prevent us from taking pets where food is being prepared or served, with the exception of some outdoor cafe areas. In most cities dogs are not permitted on beaches, even when the beaches lie empty in winter.
I know from first-hand experience how time-consuming it is to take your children to the park to play, leaving your dog (who is not allowed within 10 metres of children’s play equipment)at home; then take your dog (with your children too, because they can’t stay home alone) and try to exercise them on the pavements. Or let your dog loose in the off-leash area while trying to prevent your kids being knocked over. Funny thing is that kids love dogs and dogs love kids and we all need exercise!
Pets, especially dogs, are social catalysts. They promote community interaction and are truly the social capital of society when they are given the chance. Society does not give pets the chance, as it fears pet owners are irresponsible (How many irresponsible owners does it take for everyone to be judged this way?!). Society deems that pets cannot behave well; that people will be injured. Fear of pets or of litigation wins over community creation and perhaps even over common sense.
How to improve the pets in public situation
Of course, pet owners always need to be vigilant of their pet’s behaviour in public and to make sure that they do not annoy anyone and that we pick up poo. Almost all of us do! Campaign your local council for areas to take your dog and keep educating yourself on what your pet needs.
4. Pets have problems
Pets are not perfect. As my favourite saying goes “Just like people, there is no such thing as the perfect pet!”. Yet people have unrealistic expectations about pets and their behaviour. They expect perfect training, no noise, no bodily fluids of any sort!
One of the most common complaints about owning a pet is pet hair. Yes, one of the main reasons we love them; yet we complain about it!
We complain about how cats scratch our furniture. We complain about dogs barking in the neighbourhood. We complain about cats hunting. We complain about dogs being a danger in society.
We feel guilty about our scaredy cats and anxious dogs. We hate that they have separation anxiety when left alone. We wonder if they are happy.
How to improve the problem pet situation
We need to learn more about pets. We need to learn what they need and satisfy their unique animal needs (not our human ones!). We need to understand cat behaviour issues and dog behaviour problems and learn how to work towards solutions. We need to choose the best materials for our homes e.g Flooring materials and cat scratching posts.
5. Pets are expensive – another reason being a pet owner is so difficult!
There is no doubt that pets can be expensive. Their purchase can be thousands of dollars. Their food and routine pharmaceutical treatments can be expensive, even before their emergency medical care. Boarding several pets may cost more than your annual holiday!
Most pet owners want the best for their pets. Buying cheap goods, however, can be a false economy. You’ll feed less of a super premium food than a cheap diet. Cheap cat litter creates headaches and lots of cleaning! Millennial pet owners are apparently more willing to spend on pets but they do demand that pet companies adhere to their life philosophies.
On the plus side, spending on pets creates jobs and careers for people, employment with the pets they love. Small businesses spring up around pets.
How to reduce the expense of pets
Choose your pet on special adoption days where purchase prices are lower. Take out pet insurance to cover special needs when they arise. Make some of your own pet toys. Tell yourself how much your pet is worth the cost. Pets are priceless!
6. Pets are property and remain undervalued
While we consider our pets to be family members, most societies consider pets as property, at least legally. This means they are generally not as well respected as most of us wish they were. When we divorce our pet is property. When we are abused and must leave home, very few places accept pets.
Ask anyone who loves their pets and they will tell you that pets mean more than property! There are so many benefits to children growing up with pets and in growing old with pets. Yet, so many seniors have to say goodbye to pet keeping.
How to help pets’ place in society
Understand Animal Law and help make changes. Help everyone else understand that pets are more than property.
Is it all too difficult with pets?
Housing; taking your pet outdoors; problem behaviour; the expense of keeping a pet can make it seem all too difficult. Yet, we love pets. Most of us cannot imagine life without a pet. Fortunately, there are many reasons that pets are wonderful to live with and for most of us, these advantages outweigh the difficulties.
Enjoy your pets, even if being a pet owner is so difficult at times!
About the author
Dr Jo Righetti, animal behaviour consultant and the owner of Pet Problems Solved, is a devoted pet lover with Chilli dog, 4 cats and 5 chickens in her life. All have expenses. All have problems. But all are loved!
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5 Ways to keep pet hair under control
Follow us on Twitter: @joannerighetti
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