Besides their value as loved and loving companions, pets serve utilitarian purposes, protecting homes and property, destroying vermin, and providing means of transport. They may also serve as emotional outlets for the elderly or the childless. In addition, pets may be kept for their beauty or rarity or, in the case of birds, because of their songs.

Today, pets are generally purchased from breeders, pet shops, or animal shelters rather than being individually captured and tamed. The advantage of buying directly from an animal breeder is that the prospective owner can obtain information about a pet's genetic history. Pet shops, however, offer a variety of animals to choose from, and because they do not depend on the sale of one particular species or breed, may offer more candid advice on the desirability of one type over another to fulfil specific needs. Shelters for abandoned animals, the animal rescue organizations, or animals given up for adoption are also good places for acquiring pets of all descriptions free or for a nominal charge. In any case, the healthiest-looking specimen should be sought, and a guarantee of good health for at least a 2-week period should be requested. A vet should examine the pet before purchase if possible or immediately afterwards.

When a pet is introduced into the home, it should be allowed time and space to adjust to its surroundings. A regular schedule of feeding and watering, cleaning, grooming, and exercise should be established, with specific areas provided for these routines.

Pet owners should take their newly acquired animals to a vet, who will examine them for congenital and contagious diseases and for parasites, and will initiate a routine vaccination and examination schedule. The vet will also make recommendations for proper care and feeding. Domestic animals may occasionally become destructive or a nuisance. In such cases, on the advice of a vet, qualified animal trainers may be consulted.

When circumstances no longer allow an owner to keep a pet, it should be placed in a good home, or with a responsible animal-rescue organization. The animal can also be left with one of the various humane organizations, such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or shelters, where it may be given up for adoption or, if necessary, be quickly and mercifully destroyed.

Useful Webmaps:

allpets.com - Watch "petflicks" to learn what happens at a doggie dentist and how a vet spays a rabbit, select the looks and personality of your four-legged soulmate, or visit the "petcyclopedia" to learn vet lingo.

petfinder.org - Search by ZIP code, animal, or breed for adoptable pets like Cooper the black Lab, iggy the iguana, and HoneyPie the potbellied pig. Or track down local shelters.

petlinks.com - Links to sites on wallabies, chinchillas, alpacas, and arachnids plus cats, dogs, birds, and bunnies. Select accessories for your critter of choice find breeders and photographers and learn proper pet care.

dog-play.com - "Neat things to do with your dog," like playing Frisbee, rollerblading, and visiting hospital patients.

virtualpuppy.com - Adopt and name a virtual puppy, then feed her, pet her, and clean up her make-believe mess. When it's time to bid your pretend pup adieu, check her into the kennel. (Personally, I think this is good "rehearsal" for wannabe pet owners. It is also good for kids to practise taking care of pets).

family.go.com/Categories/pets - Teach kids how to interpret Rover's body language and how to pick him up properly. And get tips on taking the family pet on trips and preparing for new puppies, kittens, rabbits, and fish

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Excerpt

From Dr. Michael Fox, Tropical Life, The Herald Miami Florida

Some people are only a step away from becoming a "humaniac" - a collector of cats, one of those well-intentioned people who fill their homes with abandoned felines and often do more harm than good. Caring for animals can become and obsession and collecting too may can create an environment where the poor creatures suffer from crowding, incompatible social groups and infectious diseases.

webmaster@grannyremedy.com