Tips for choosing a family fur-child

Are you considering adding a dog to your family? Jenny North, the senior receptionist and veterinary nurse at Austinmer Veterinary Hospital, shares her recommendations.

Tell us about yourself and Austinmer Vets.

My name is Jenny North, I have been working at Austinmer Vets for 23 years (24 years in April 2023). Austinmer Vets was originally owned and operated by Warwick Prowse, now it is owned and run by Dr Jarrod Coleman, we remain one of the very few family owned and run veterinary practices in the Illawarra.

Are there any particular dog breeds you would recommend for a young family?

I would not recommend any particular breed to any family. What I would suggest is do a lot of research regarding the breed the family is interested in, taking into account what the breed of dog was bred for originally.

Would you recommend an older or younger dog?

I would not recommend either. It would depend on personal circumstance. Some people do not want a puppy and all the fun things that go with owning a puppy, and some people do not want an older dog as they can come with a lot of health problems.

What are people's options for buying a new dog?

People have varying options for buying a dog.

Dogz Online is an all-breeds register for Australia and New Zealand, this is for pure-bred dogs only.

There are many rescue organisations that rehome dogs and these are easily accessible online, although some of the "no kill" shelters can be very deceiving. The RSPCA is also an option, with shelters Australia wide and our closest being Unanderra then Yagoona NSW.

What should parents consider when meeting potential dogs?

Parents should consider the age, breed, size of the dog and what the dog was originally bred for before committing to the purchase of any dog.

What can families expect from a new dog entering their family?

Families can expect a lot of fun times with their new dog (providing training is undertaken). You should also consider unexpected expenses when owning a dog.

For more information about owning a pet, please contact the team via the Austinmer Veterinary Hospital website