Help finding right pet

The four-step 'PETS' formula, launched online this week is designed to help every prospective pet owner consider the main issues before taking on any companion animal, from rats to retrievers.

"If people choose the wrong pet for their lifestyle, the animal is likely to suffer," said Sean Wensley, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at PDSA.

"But with this new online tool, you can find out quickly and easily which type of pet might best suit your lifestyle and circumstances. The tool represents a new and innovative part of our 'Long Live Pets' campaign."

The four-part formula, PETS, is based on the key elements of Place, Exercise, Time and Spend. All need to be considered to ensure owners and their pets are well matched.

Place '“ which type of pet is appropriate for where you live?

Exercise '“ can you provide the type and amount of daily exercise required?

Time '“ can you devote enough time to your pet?

Spend '“ can you afford the lifetime expense of your preferred pet?

Stage 1 of the 'Your Right Pet' tool features a cartoon pet that will 'morph' and change shape as you answer questions, until the most suited pet for your lifestyle is revealed. Stage 2 provides more detail on different types of pets, such as expected lifespan, likely lifetime costs and how to meet that pet's welfare needs.

As a working vet, Sean Wensley has seen many examples of inappropriate pet ownership: "It is not uncommon to see rabbits that are housed alone in hutches that are too small, with no opportunity to exercise, and fed a completely inappropriate diet that has led to painful and debilitating dental disease," he said.

"Other animals, like reptiles and parrots, are taken on as pets with little or no knowledge of how to provide the living environments and diets that they need to be healthy and happy. As a result many suffer malnutrition and disease. All too often, vets are picking up the pieces of misguided pet choices and dealing with animals that are suffering because their welfare needs have not been met.

Sean continues: "Thankfully, the new Animal Welfare Act introduces a legal 'duty of care' that requires all owners to ensure that their pet's welfare needs are met. Our online tool explains in clear and practical terms what these welfare needs are for the animals that are most commonly kept as pets, so is a unique resource for prospective and existing pet owners alike.

"'Your Right Pet' is a key part of our 'Long Live Pets' campaign, PDSA's biggest ever pet health initiative, designed to ensure a healthy life for all pets. This tangible, easy-to-use computer tool reinforces our messages about choosing pets in a highly creative and engaging way."

Visit www.your-right-pet.org.uk, to find 'Your Right Pet'.