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Charity offers advice on helping owners choose the right pet

THE PDSA is offering a number of resources to help veterinary practices advise potential pet owners on the type of pet that would be suitable for them and their lifestyle. The ‘Which pet is right for me?’ resources were launched at the London Vet Show on November 17, to coincide with publication of the 2016 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report. Survey findings discussed in this year’s report indicate that almost a quarter of pet owners do no research before taking on their pet. ‘Many animals still seem to be bought on a whim, without any prepurchase research being done,’ the PDSA says, adding ‘Having little or no prior knowledge about a pet’s welfare needs, or the likely costs of caring for that pet over their lifetime, can have a detrimental impact on that pet’s mental and physical wellbeing.’ The surveys found differences between the different regions of the UK: in England, 24 per cent of owners said they did no research before choosing their pet, compared with 19 per cent in Scotland. Sean Wensley, the PDSA’s senior vet, noted that, while the UK might be a nation of animal lovers, the PAW report highlighted that impulse-buying of pets was still an issue of great concern and showed no signs of improving. ‘Little or no research before getting a pet means owners have limited understanding of what their pets require throughout their lives, which is undoubtedly leading to an array of other troubling pet welfare problems,’ he said. The surveys also found that only 5 per cent of pet owners spoke to a veterinary professional before acquiring their pet. The aim of the new resources is to help veterinary professionals engage and educate clients before they take on a new pet, in the hope that potential owners can be sure that the pet they have chosen is suitable for them and that it can be obtained from an appropriate source. The materials available to practices include explanatory booklets for both clients and veterinary teams, marketing materials and an e-learning CPD module.