Part I of the Holiday Pet Guide:
TV shows like Animal Planet make pythons in the playroom or spiders on our shoulders look warm, fuzzy and...normal. Exotic pets are popular, but there is still something to be said for a plain ol' pup or kitten. And, even those classics are featuring new breeds with names like Labradoodle (dog) and Ragdoll (cat).

Before you poke air holes in the gift box for that perfect gift pet, ask the experts–not Santa–what's best.

Ask Your Vet

Most people don't think to consult a veterinarian before they choose a pet. "You'd want to have a family vet, just like a family doctor, or family pharmacist," says James Steele, D.V.M., M.Ph., and professor emeritus at The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston. Vets can guide you in picking the right animal for your family and lifestyle.

“It’s mutually beneficial for the veterinarian and the pet owner. That’s an investment in the future,” agrees Stephen C. Waring, D.V.M., Ph.D., assistant professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health. He suggests you establish a profile to choose your pet.

"Just because you live in an apartment doesn't mean you can't get a Great Dane. It does mean you might have to do a little more for that pet. Twice a day, you have to take the dog for a walk. And, we could all use that."

Waring loves it when people come in to talk to him before they even become clients. "It shows that they thought about this." Often, veterinarians will know about a particular breed and bloodline and will be more comfortable making a recommendation because they have been treating animals from that breeder, Waring says.

Waring believes the family situation is key to deciding on a pet. "Rule of thumb: pets are like people and should be treated as if they are a member of the family." Active pets should be placed with active families who want the pet to be part of the fun. For someone who wants a more sedentary animal, they might want to find one that does not require a lot of attention.

Allergies Unleashed

Both veterinarians agree that pet hair and dander may cause flare-ups, that some animals are better, but no clear lines are drawn on breeds that might be better for those with allergies or asthma. "The more the animal sheds, the more the environment is seeded with all that they carry in from outside, such as pollens and other allergens."

Waring does believe that it is unlikely that a person is more or less allergic to specific dog breeds, for instance. "Because, generally the proteins in the matrix of any animal are pretty much the same."

"If you brush a dog you not only get hair, but also little scales of skin. Household hygiene has
a lot to do with our well being," Steele says. He also warns that the level of sensitivity to different kinds of protein varies in each allergic person. "Each one of us is different. If you have asthma, and if you are provoked, stay away from the allergen," Steele says.

Your Parrot May Out Live You

Pets are a commitment. Dogs and cats live 12 to 20 years. A healthy parakeet can live 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of a boa constrictor is 30 years, and an Amazon parrot, at 80 years, will outlive you. Both veterinarians urge pet owners to consider the lifelong commitment to a pet.

All Babies are Cute (Until They Grow)

"Snakes and iguanas live a long time. People need to understand not only the lifespan, but whether they are truly prepared to provide the appropriate environment for the animal as it grows and matures," Waring says. That fuzzy little striped feline grows up to be a mature, problematic tiger. "Unfortunately once the size and/or temperament of such an animal becomes a problem, the options are really limited," says Waring.

Low-Maintenance, Schmow-Maintenance

He mentions that even with lower maintenance pets like fish, there must be a commitment to its welfare. "There is no such thing as a low-maintenance animal, particularly when you bring in a snake, salamander or other more exotic things in the house. You've got to create some type of microenvironment so that they can be happy and healthy. They are just as prone to stress-related illnesses as humans are."

Steele agrees that some people are more interested in having an exhibit than in having a pet. "Some people have their picture taken with a snake around their neck and send it to grandma to say 'Look what I'm doing.' But people do keep big snakes around the house, and they [pet and owner] are safe. Why? Because they are kept in a very hygienic environment."

Have You Hugged Your Spider Today?

So it's not cuddly—it is still a companion. "People are attracted to spiders and tarantulas, like any other species," Waring says. The human-animal bond is as complicated as the human-human bond. Like any freedom-of-choice issue, "It's not for us to ask, 'How can you call that a pet?'"

What We Learn from Pets

Both vets agree that the earlier pets are introduced to a family the better. Waring notes that very small children can observe the behavior of pets and learn how body language can be interpreted and how to be safe around other pets. They also learn how to share an environment with others. Steele mentions that even prisoners are positively affected by having pets in their world, a lesson in humanity.

Don't rush to adopt a pet, Waring warns. "The only time you have much control in choosing a pet is before you bring it into your house. Once you bring it into your world, it's your responsibility."

Unfortunately, we live in a throwaway society. Too often new pet owners decide, to the detriment of the animal, that they no longer find their new friend adorable. "We say, 'Forget it. I don't want that anymore,'" Waring says. "You must see them as a commitment, and that you are in it for the long haul."

Last Updated: 12-09-2004

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