Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)
Pets can be more than just a source of fun. They offer unconditional love, accepting you just as you are. They can also encourage you to step away from screens and go for a walk. Research has also shown that interacting with a dog for a few minutes can help lower your stress hormones.
However, choosing the right pet is a big decision. To figure out what is best for your family, you need to understand what each type of pet needs.
Choosing the right companion
Dogs require lots of attention and frequent walks, and they often love receiving gentle pats and scratches.
On the other hand, cats in Hong Kong typically live indoors and need less time and space compared with dogs. They also have specific needs for play, rest and affection.
A cat’s brain has a smaller prefrontal cortex compared with the brains of humans and dogs. This part is responsible for empathy and social bonding. Since cats are naturally solitary animals with less complex social interactions, it makes sense that they have a smaller prefrontal cortex.
If you are deciding between a dog and a cat, consider this question: would you enjoy daily dog walks after finishing homework, or do you prefer the quiet companionship of a cat while you read?
Even for pets that are easier to care for, such as fish and hamsters, they have unique needs when it comes to their living spaces, food and sleeping habits.
Another crucial step is deciding where you will get your pet. While it can be convenient to buy the exact one you want, many breeders do not treat the animals well. Instead, visit an animal shelter. They have many animals waiting for a chance to join a loving home.
Are you ready?
Even within the same species or breed, every animal has its own personality. For example, some dogs may want to snuggle all day, but others are full of energy and always ready to play.
Because of how unique each animal can be, many shelters arrange meetings between potential adopters and pets to make sure everyone gets along. You can also consider fostering the animal to understand it better before committing to adoption. Shelters do this to ensure adopted animals find permanent homes.
After deciding which pet you want, you should prepare for the long-term responsibility of pet ownership. This involves watching out for signs of illness, as well as daily care, such as preparing their meals and cleaning up after them.
This advice has been provided by Dr Angel Ngo, a veterinarian and founder of Once And For All, a social enterprise ensuring all animals receive the care they need in homes, shelters and even the wild.
