Pets Stack Exchange
Pets Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [pet-selection]

The process of choosing which pet to adopt. This tag is for making decisions on which species fits your lifestyle, or researching a species to find out more about them, but NOT for pet recommendations.

The actions that come before owning a pet are almost as important as when you own the pet. Whether trying to decide which species fits your lifestyle the best, or even just finding more about a specific species. This tag is for questions that involve the decision making process of selecting a pet, but NOT for pet recommendations.

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How can we find a dog to "test drive"?

My girlfriend is interested in getting a puppy. We have been doing some research before getting one, and the book "Before you get your puppy" says on page 9 of the linked PDF: Make sure you test drive several adult dogs of your selected breed…
Adam
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Are there any special considerations when taking in a stray cat?

I have friends who recently found a stray cat (who appears to be a little older than a kitten, but not much). They want to keep her (if she doesn't belong to anyone), but don't know anything about her or how to care for her. I know how I take care…
user53
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Is there anything I should know or consider before giving a pet as a gift?

I want to give someone a pet as a gift. I was thinking of making it a Christmas gift, but it could be a birthday gift if I don't find the right pet soon. So I was discussing the options with some coworkers asking things like, "Should I give a pet…
James Jenkins
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Do ferrets get along with other pets?

While reading about things to know when acquiring a ferret, I came across this article that says that ferrets do not get along with other pets: Most ferrets don't get along with birds, fish, rabbits, rodents, lizards, and the like, though there are…
user34
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Is there a pet which eats flies

Is there any pet which I can hold indoors in Central European household and which eats flies (and any other insects) flying around my house? I got plenty of them because my neighbor has a pig farm next door.
Marian Paździoch
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How should I select a puppy from a litter?

I've heard different recommendations on how to pick a puppy from a litter to fit a person's needs/lifestyle. I've heard that if I live an active lifestyle, then I should pick the one that runs up to me first, because that one is going to be the…
Spidercat
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How can you tell if a kitten will have long or short hair?

This weekend I visited a friend who had a new kitten (about 8 weeks old). The kitten has a fuzzy coat, but most kittens seem to have a fuzzy coat from what I can tell through internet searches. We were trying to guess if the kitten would have a long…
Zaralynda
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For two kittens in the apartment, how important is gender?

I have a male kitten—1.5 month old Maine Coon, who has been living with us for a week or so—and there is possibility to have another one, not necessary the same breed, for their own good and our fun. The cats would live indoors, in a two-room flat.…
coverback
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Would a sailfin dragon get along with a cat?

I've read that Sailfin Dragons a quite receptive of human handling and can make pretty good pets. I'm curious if that means they would get along with other animals too. I have two cats, and they're both well behaved around reptiles. They show some…
Spidercat
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What age of snake is best for a pet?

I want to buy a snake and am interested in whether or not I should buy an adult snake or a baby snake. I have heard from my friend that an older, adult snake can be more frisky but when I went to the store and they said it doesn't matter. My…
Baked Potato
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When choosing a cat, how to determine temperament and personality and decide on a good fit?

For the last few months, I have been gradually preparing to adopt my very first cat! I've been a fish owner and a partial dog owner before, but have never taken care of a cat on my own before and have been doing a lot of research to make sure that…
Sciborg
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What is the difference between a "reputable breeder" and a "pet mill?"

I have seen and heard some really bad things about puppy mills and other pet mills. And many places, like the AKC, recommend finding a reputable breeder to purchase an animal directly rather than buying one from a chain pet store. What is the…
user9
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Can a hamster and a tortoise/land turtle coexist peacefully?

We're interested in keeping a hamster in the house, and I know my wife is fond of small reptiles. Is it possible to keep a tortoise and a hamster in the same enclosure? I'm thinking this is possible. The tortoise shouldn't try to eat the hamster,…
Brendan
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What should I consider before deciding to adopt a ferret?

I want to adopt a ferret in addition to my dog and chickens. The answers to "Do ferrets get along with other pets?" suggest ferrets will have no problems with other pets as long as they still get your attention. The answers to "How can I prevent…
user34
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Does age matter when adopting a cat (if you already own a cat)?

If I already have a cat (or a kitten), and I want to get another to keep it company. Say the cat I have already is a couple years old, is it okay for me to get a new kitten? Or the other way around? it matter what age the new cat is?
Spidercat
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