Wishing for a Pet?

Katie Curtis, 14, has always loved animals. Her family has owned several pets, including goldfish, hamsters, and cats. So Katie was really excited when her parents bought her a baby guinea pig for her 13th birthday.

“I thought it would be fun to have my own pet,” says Katie, a ninth-grader from Tabernacle, New Jersey. While Katie adores her guinea pig, Doodles, she admits that having a pet can be demanding.

“It’s always more work than you think it’s going to be,” Katie says. But Katie was prepared to put in the effort, and she’s happy that she did. “Having Doodles has been great. It’s been nice having my own responsibilities.”

Katie certainly isn’t alone in her love of pets. America is experiencing a pet population boom like never before. Today there are twice as many cats and dogs as there are kids under the age of 18! Most owners consider these animals—everything from dogs and rabbits to snakes—members of their family. But getting a pet isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, animal experts caution. Recent research has taught us a lot about the needs and intelligence of our animal friends. There’s much to consider before getting a pet.

Katie Curtis, 14, has always loved animals. Her family has owned several pets, including goldfish, hamsters, and cats. So Katie was really excited when her parents bought her a baby guinea pig for her 13th birthday.

“I thought it would be fun to have my own pet,” says Katie, a ninth-grader from Tabernacle, New Jersey. While Katie adores her guinea pig, Doodles, she admits that having a pet can be demanding.

“It’s always more work than you think it’s going to be,” Katie says. But Katie was prepared to put in the effort. She’s happy that she did. “Having Doodles has been great. It’s been nice having my own responsibilities .”

Katie certainly isn’t alone in her love of pets. America is experiencing a pet population boom like never before. Today there are twice as many cats and dogs as there are kids under the age of 18! Most owners consider pets as members of their family. The animals can be everything from dogs and rabbits to snakes. But getting a pet isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. That’s what animal experts say. Recent research has taught us a lot about the needs and intelligence of our animal friends. There’s much to consider before getting a pet.

Before Katie got Doodles, her family did some research on guinea pigs. They learned what guinea pigs eat and what type of habitat they need. Experts say researching an animal’s needs—and asking yourself if you can meet them—can help you decide if a pet is right for your home. 

According to Jessica Pierce, a researcher from Colorado who has studied animal behavior and intelligence, well-meaning pet owners sometimes skip this step. This can result in unintentional harm to pets.

For example, people often view goldfish as starter pets that require little care. “That’s really untrue,” says Pierce. Recent studies have found that goldfish are more intelligent than many people realize, she says. They can feel pain and experience boredom. A small, plain fishbowl won’t meet a goldfish’s physical and mental needs. 

Pierce recommends a larger tank—at least 20 gallons. It should be decorated with interesting things, such as rocks and plants. It’s also important to regularly change the environment and have more than one fish.

Before Katie got Doodles, her family did some research on guinea pigs. They learned what guinea pigs eat. They also learned the type of habitat a guinea pig needs. Experts say you need to research an animal’s need. And ask yourself if you can meet them. That’s can help you decide if a pet is right for your home.

Jessica Pierce is a researcher from Colorado. She has studied animal behavior and intelligence. She says that well-meaning pet owners sometimes skip this research step. This can result in unintentional harm to pets.

For example, people often view goldfish as starter pets that require little care. “That’s really untrue,” says Pierce. Recent studies have found that goldfish are more intelligent than many people realize, she says. They can feel pain and experience boredom. A small, plain fishbowl won’t meet a goldfish’s physical and mental needs.

Pierce recommends a larger tank. It should have a volume of at least 20 gallons. It should be decorated with interesting things, such as rocks and plants. It’s also important to regularly change the environment and have more than one fish.    

Of course, animals need more than just the right environment. As Katie learned with Doodles, pets are a big commitment. Each day, Katie has to clean Doodles’s bedding. She must completely clean her cage once a month. Katie also must feed Doodles, refill her water, and let her out to play daily. Experts recommend around one hour of exercise a day for guinea pigs.

But Pierce sometimes observes pet owners who become too busy to provide animals with proper care. Or they just get tired of the responsibility.

“I would encourage people to ask themselves why they really want to have a pet,” says Pierce. If you love animals and enjoy taking care of them, that’s a good reason, she says. But if you just think of the animal as a “cool” or “cute” thing to have, you’re probably not going to be as committed as you need to be.

Katie’s advice: “Make sure that you’re willing to take the time with the pet. They are like people, in that they need love and care just like everyone else.”

Of course, animals need more than just the right environment. Pets are a big commitment . Katie learned that with Doodles. Each day, Katie has to clean Doodles’s bedding. She must completely clean her cage once a month. Katie also must feed Doodles. She must also refill her water and let her out to play daily. Experts recommend around one hour of exercise a day for guinea pigs.

But Pierce sometimes observes pet owners who become too busy. This means they can’t provide animals with proper care. Or they just get tired of the responsibility.

“I would encourage people to ask themselves why they really want to have a pet,” says Pierce. If you love animals and enjoy taking care of them, that’s a good reason, she says. But if you just think of the animal as a “cool” or “cute” thing to have, you’re probably not going to be as committed as you need to be.

Katie’s advice: “Make sure that you’re willing to take the time with the pet. They are like people. They need love and care just like everyone else.”