Choosing the Best Furry (or Feathery!) Friend for You!

April 7, 2016

Here at Petland Racine, we have many different types of animals that you can visit with and learn about, but when you’re looking to add a new family member, it can be hard to choose which one might be best for you! Below, we have some descriptions of the most popular pets we have and you can decide for yourself which one best fits your lifestyle!

Hamsters – whether it be a dwarf hamster like the Roborovski or a full-size like a Panda Bear or Teddy Bear hamster, these pocket-sized pals make a good starter pet for people of all ages. They do require a cage that is big enough for them, but not too big that they can escape! Chew toys, proper food, an exercise ball and wheel and a few grooming tools will put you in business to take care of these little guys, but otherwise, they are fairly low-maintenance. Just watch out that the breed of hamster you choose might be nocturnal, which means they are most active at night, in which case, make sure the wheel you choose is a silent one!

Bunnies – these also make a perfect first pet for many different people. Rabbits tend to be gentle and easy to handle as long as you keep a sure grip on them. Younger children need to be monitored carefully that bunnies don’t jump out of their hands and do better when the child is sitting on the ground and the bunny can be in their laps. Rabbits do require a much bigger cage as they can reach several pounds in weight depending on the breed you go with. Rabbits also need a varied diet that includes not only pellet food, but all hay and fresh fruits and veggies once they reach adulthood. They also need stimulation in the form of chews, treats and toys and, of course, lots of love from their owners! If a slightly higher maintenance pet is still okay with you, then a bunny might be right up your alley!

Cockatiels – these feathered friends are easily spotted in our new aviary at Petland Racine! If you’ve never considered having a bird as a pet, you are surely missing out! They make great pets, especially our hand-raised babies, to first time pet owners. They can learn to whistle tunes and even talk in some cases! They can also be very affectionate, giving their owners “kisses” and grooming their hair. Birds do require an appropriate sized cage, as well as many types of toys and chews to keep them entertained and daily interaction from their owners. They can sometimes be very demanding, so make sure you are prepared for that if you decide that an avian pet is right for you!

Puppies – as man’s best friend, we couldn’t leave the dogs out of our examples of pets! While dogs can be the most demanding of pets, they can also be the most rewarding. It takes a lot of responsibility to take care of a new puppy or dog, but the unconditional love they show you over the course of their lives make it all worth it! Sometimes the amount of training, toys and nutrition they need can be daunting, but we can help you rise to the occasion if you decide that a puppy is the pet for you!

We hope you enjoyed this brief description of our store’s favorite pets! And if you are still unsure about which pet may be right for you, come in our store and let our dedicated Pet Counselors answer any questions you might have about pet ownership. We can make sure you have everything you need to be a responsible (and happy!) pet owner. Thanks for being such a valued member of our Petland community!