PET SCENE
Hawai'i pets take center stage

Advertiser Staff and News Services

"People and Pets, a Loving Bond" is the theme of this weekend's Hawaii Pet Expo 2004, a celebration of National Pet Week and Be Kind to Animals Week. Sponsored by the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association to encourage responsible pet ownership, the expo features educational displays, demonstrations, pet products and services, clubs, crafters and an Ask-a-Vet booth.

So if you're thinking about adding a new furry or feathery pal to the household, here's your chance to chat with pet owners about the particular qualities of their animals' breeds.

But before you make that jump into pet ownership, step back and look at the big picture. Remember, it's a long-term commitment: Cats can live for 20 years; dogs, 15 or longer.

Dr. Marty Becker, columnist, author and veterinary contributor to ABC's "Good Morning America," offers some guidelines:

• Can you afford a pet? Between licenses, training classes, veterinary care, grooming, toys and food, pet care can add up. On veterinary visits alone, expenditures average over $250 per household per pet each year, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

• Do you have time for a pet? Pets need lots of attention — food, water, care, love and exercise every single day. Keep in mind that many shelter animals are often given up because their owners could not handle the amount of time associated with caring for them. That means no more heading out on the town straight from the office — someone needs to be home to walk and feed the dog!

• What are you looking for in a pet? A couch potato to lounge with after a hard day's work or a running buddy to keep you moving seven days a week? It is important to research different kinds of dogs and ask lots of questions of the shelter staff about both purebred and mixed breeds to make the best match between the dog and your family's lifestyle and living situation. Consider adopting an older pet from the shelter as adult dogs are usually already housetrained and can be better screened for living with kids and adult cats are most often litter box-trained.

• Does your new pet need to be house-trained? This can take time and patience, just like it does with a child. Ask your shelter and veterinarian for guidance on house-training your new dog.