DELMARVA -Â NBC and Telemundo stations across the country, including WRDE, are inviting you to Clear The Shelters. Tonight we highlight why a pet's age is important when deciding which furry friend you'd like to give a forever home.
Puppies, dogs, kittens, or cats, when deciding which to adopt, the difference? According to veterinarian Marianne Bailey, there are quite a few. And depending on your lifestyle you should choose wisely.
"If you want a pet that's gonna greet you at the door and sit on your lap while you answer emails... may or may not be a cat...certainly some cats will do that but not all. If you like to go away for long periods of time during the day, a cat may fit your lifestyle a little bit better than a young puppy that's gonna need to be fed more often or let outside to go to the bathroom more often," explained Marianne Bailey, Veterinarian at Queenstown Veterinary Hospital.
For example, young toy poodles need more than just a walk around the park as they love to let loose and run around a lot.
"Adopting an older pet, an older cat, or an older dog, some of the great advantages is that they've passed that crazy puppy or kitten stage where they're more likely to destroy things, more likely to get into things that they shouldn't they've mellowed out a little bit, they're a lot calmer during the day if you have people over. Advantages to puppies or kittens are that they're so much fun, they have so much personality you're constantly learning something new about them," added Dr. Bailey.
The Humane Society of Wicomico County says younger dogs tend to be more popular and get adopted quickly. But assure older dogs have just as many good qualities and will give you unconditional love.
"We do have a lot of older dogs they might already be house trained, sometimes they already know a lot of commands and will sit here because people are looking for younger dogs," said Megan Koester, with Wicomico County Humane Society.
Dr. Bailey says younger pets could cost you more as they grow quickly and may need different-sized items within months or weeks, while older pets may also mean more frequent visits to the vet.
"Either way there's advantages or disadvantages when you're considering both but they make great pets regardless of the one you are looking for," assured Dr. Bailey.
If you feel like adopting a pet is just not for you, you can support the cause by donating to a local shelter or visiting: https://www.cleartheshelters.com/
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