Today, on World Animal Day, more than one pet will receive a treat, a toy or more attention from their owner. Maybe some will decide to get a puppy to be a great walking companion or to help ease the loneliness. Maybe some will enjoy a kitten that comes to play in the night and wakes up its owner.  

According to the Agricultural Data Centre, at the beginning of October, 305,600 dogs, 159,400 cats and 593 ferrets were registered in the Register of pets. People have also registered 212 other microchipped pets in this register, including rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles and parakeets. Dogs' favourite names are Bela, Luna, Maja, cats' favourite names are Luna, Simba, Pukis, ferrets' favourite names are Chika, Chikis, Gucci. According to other sources, the number of dogs and cats in Lithuania is much higher: about 1.2 million, but they are not in a hurry to mark and register them, so the exact number is unknown. Therefore, on this day, we would like to remind you once again that, in accordance with the provisions of the Law on the Welfare and Protection of Animals, the marking and registration of cats, dogs and ferrets is compulsory.

If you decide to buy a healthy and well-socialised pet, you will have a good friend for many years. However, when making this decision, always consider what kind of dog or cat would be best for you. You should look at the breed, temperament, character, coat, health characteristics and the recommendations of veterinarians and animal behaviourists for your future four-legged friend. You should consider whether you will be able to provide the right housing conditions, whether you will be able to care for it every day, devote a lot of time and energy to it, and whether you will be able to take it for a long walk every day, and to run and play outside. Consider who will look after your pet when you are away or on holiday.

You also need to consider your financial means. It is estimated that the average annual cost of keeping a dog is around €1,000 or more. 

A pet is usually purchased from an animal fosterer or breeder. You should look for a reputable shelter or breeder and check the veterinary registration or approval number. Be careful and beware of fraud. When buying from a breeder, always meet the animal and its mother, and when visiting the puppy or kitten and its mother, check that the animal is happy and healthy.

Note that the eyes are clear and bright, the breathing is quiet and effortless, the mouth is clean with white teeth and pink gums, the ribs should not be visible, and the animal is attentive to its surroundings and responds to petting. Cats and dogs should never be sold before 8 weeks of age before they are weaned. The future companion must be at least 12 weeks old before you can vaccinate it against rabies.

When choosing a pet from photographs, it is important to make sure that the photographs are realistic: that the pet advertised is actually the pet shown in the photograph. There are cases where a photo of one breed is published, but the caption names a different breed. It is essential to ask for vaccination and other health records signed by the veterinarian, and to ask if any treatment for parasites has been carried out. Ask for information on the pet's marking and registration in the Pet Registry: the pet's microchip number, European passport, its number and country code. Do not transfer money to the breeder until you have seen the pet in person and be sure to ask for a receipt.

You should think about how the pet will be kept safe in the apartment, house or yard, socialised and trained, and carefully read the municipality's rules for keeping animals.

In Lithuania, only cats, dogs and ferrets that are tagged and registered in the Pet Register are handed over. This compulsory marking and registration of cats, dogs and ferrets has been introduced as of 1 May 2021 and helps to tackle the problem of stray animals and to strengthen the public's conscious attitude towards responsible pet ownership. According to the provisions of these rules, when a pet registered in the Pet Register is transferred to another keeper or owner, the transferring keeper or owner must submit the data to the Pet Register within 7 calendar days. Two copies of the application for change of pet data form shall be completed and signed jointly by the transferring keeper or owner and the accepting keeper or owner: one for the transferring keeper and one for the accepting keeper.

We hope that these important tips will help you decide whether you really want and are able to get a pet that will become a real family friend.