Here at Meals on Wheels Victoria, we provide pet food assistance to make owning a pet a little easier. Clients who receive our meals can enroll for a monthly delivery of kibble for cats or dogs. We strive to connect our pet food assistance clients with community resources including free spay/neuter and vaccine clinics.
If you’re thinking of adopting a pet, we’re happy to help you and your new dog or cat share a happy, healthy life together.
It can be hard for the prospective pet owner to pick a pet. Those important questions on choice matter even more: What pet matches my energy level? Can I adequately care for this animal? How expensive will veterinary costs be? Let’s break it down.
Dogs
Many breeds are happy to lazily lounge on the couch all day. Small chihuahuas or malteses can thrive in small homes and apartments. But larger grayhounds can also be happy homebodies, content to curl up with their person.
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that househoklds owning dogs visited the vet an average of 3 times, costing about $495 in 2016.
Cats
Cats can be perfect for owners seeking quiet, calm furry friends. A laser pointer or piece of ribbon tied to a stick can entertain a cat sufficiently, and they take up very little space on the couch.
Cat veterinary care cost American households $335 for an avrage 2.4 visits, per the AVMA.
Birds
Have you considered a bird as a pet? Birds can be surprisingly loving companions, and they take up very little space. Their intelligence can make a bird a great pet to train on small tasks, offering both bird and owner a fun project and hobby.
The AVMA reports that the avergae of 2.6 veterinary visits cost bird-owners an average of $348.
Fish
Fish make for a pop of color for your home, alongside being generally low-maintenance. They can have their own little personalities and learn who you are with regular care. Fish can however be expensive, and regular tank maintenance can involve a great deal of work. But one or two fish can do well in a smaller, more manageable environment.
If you’re worried about energy levels, senior pets can always use a calm, loving home. Shelters have a hard time adopting out many perfectly healthy animals due to people preferring puppies or kittens. You can bring health and happiness to your own days while giving a well-mannered senior pet a home.
