Too many pets?

[applesmom]

So as not to hijack the new puppy thread I'll put this one here. When does it reach a point when one should realize that they have two many pets? For many there is a thin line between hoarding and being a responsible pet owner.

From my own experience 5 was my limit in order to leave room for the occasional rescue, foster or dogsitting. Beyond that point I didn't feel that I could provide enough quality time for each individual dog.

We live in the heart of the city with just a normal sized backyard. Here's an example of what my daily routine used to be like and why any more dogs would have been too many.

Most of my mornings from daylight until about noon were spent at the park in socialization, training, exercise, field preparation and playtime. Each dog got at least 30 minutes of individual training plus playtime.

The evenings were usually spent in a less active manner, including more obedience training and play times. The rest of the day when I wasn't working the dogs were in and out as they wished while I was doing usual housework and dog/owner stuff! As secretary of the local breed club for almost 20 years there was a lot of contact and paperwork that had to be taken care of too.

Weekends were usually spent in the field or in competition events. As well as being much loved pets; the dogs were also my job, even though instead of earning money, it cost me money!

You've heard of people who love their jobs so much they'd be willing to pay just to have the job? That's me!

I forgot to mention feeding times. In the mornings (time depending on the time of year)while the dogs were outside going potty, their food was prepared. When they came in they would eat while I had my coffee. Then we'd all go outside and they'd keep me company and play while I cleaned the yard.

They were fed again in the evenings usually before we ate our dinner. After dinner they went out and played again while I cleaned the yard before beginning the evening activities. (As we all know, In a multi dog household, the yard must be cleaned a minimum of 4 times a day.) :eek:

Even with only 5 dogs I always felt guilty that they weren't getting enough attention. None of them ever complained though! ;)

[borzoimom]

I am sorry- but there is always room for one more.. lol..

[critter crazy]

I am not sure what my limit would be??? I have alot of critters, just different kinds.

The dogs i would have to say 2 is my limit, i dont think i would ever go above that.
Cats, I like having 1 but could see having a couple more
My turtles, 2 is a perfect number
Fish, i like the 8 i have, but could definitely get a few more
Chickens, can never have too many of them! am definitely adding more this spring
Ducks, i like the 6 i have, but could add a few more.

Most Hoarders have a problem, they go above and beyond, even sacrificing their home, health and well being, because they think they are doing good, but in reality, doing more harm.
A responsible pet owner, knows when they have enough, and can no longer afford any more. They will not saccrifice their animals health, by trying to save Just one more. JMO

[Zippy]

5-6 is my limit of all pets together inclueing fish.I have 2 cats and 4 betta fish as of now.I would love to have a rabbit or bird again someday.But 5-6 is all I can have without getting in over my head.

[Kfamr]

We have four dogs - this is my limit.

Granted, if a dog showed up on my doorstep and we could not find it's home, I would make it a part of our's. However, I am not going to go out looking for another.

I'm not sure if you're referring to anyone here when you mention hoarder, but I don't think I've seen anyone here that would fall under that catagory.

[mike001]

We have 3 dogs, plus I dogsit for my neighbor during the day. I would love a houseful, but I think to do my dogs justice I'd have to say 3 is all I have the energy for.

[animal_rescue]

For myself I believe I can only handle 3. But in my situation now, I don't see a problem with bringing in more dogs as we have plenty of people in the family/house who can help.

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

I can handle up to 12 dogs at a time (did this a couple times dog sitting), but don't think I could live with that many or care for that many on a daily basis. I think 4 of my own would be my absolute limit, but I prefer two of my own at a time and after two dogs, I probably wouldn't go out looking for another - but I don't mind three.

[applesmom]

I'm not sure if you're referring to anyone here when you mention hoarder, but I don't think I've seen anyone here that would fall under that catagory.

Why on earth would you suggest that? :confused: It's not too likely that a hoarder would be posting in a pet related forum and deliberatly exposing themselves to topics relating to responsible pet ownership.

We all have our own lifestyles which may or may not leave time and financial resources to have as many animals as we'd like to have. It seemed like it could be an interesting and even fun topic. After all, knowing and understanding how many animals one can comfortably care for at one time is the key to being a responsible pet owner.

[Chilli]

For dogs, I know four is our limit. =] I'd much rather keep the number at 2-3, though.

Overall limit, I know we could handle more, but I really don't want to go past having 3 cats at a time. And we have plenty time, room, and money for our birds, fish, & rodents. Basically, I know when we've reached our limit, and we're not at it yet. Nor are we going to go out seeking many new family members, either. :)

[Pembroke_Corgi]

We have 5 pets- 3 dogs and 2 cats, which feels like the limit for our space/resources. We live in a smallish house, but we do have a nice big fenced in yard. If we had a bigger house I would consider getting a 3rd cat but I think 3 dogs is plenty for me. :)

[BC_MoM]

I will never have more than 2 at a time. Mickey really is a only-dog home dog. He likes to be the center of attention and feels very left out with other dogs here.

[Freedom]

I think the answer will vary from person to person with some of the factors including:
- financial resources, keeping in mind that as the animal ages, the expenses "could" go up.
- emotional resources
- size of property
- time available (working one job, working and going to school, working from home)
- local laws.

My city limits you to 3 dogs. Beyond that, you have to get a kennel license and have certain kennel facilities. Some surrounding cities don't have that limit. We have no limit for cats, in this city. Two cities over, they did put in a limit for cats.

My personal limit, I think I am just about there. I intended to stop at 6 cats and then tried fostering. Discovered that is not a talent / skill I am capable of handling. If the animal steps into my home, I am going to love it and keep it, ha ha ha. So I kept Ebony - and love her to pieces! - but I know I can't take on more.

I got a bit of a wake up call 2 weeks ago, shortly after Sugar arrived. Sugar was taking antihistamines twice per day; having eye drops three times per day in both eyes and eye gel twice per day in one eye; Vita developed a URI and needed ears drops twice per day and antibiotics twice per day; Ruffles developed hyperactive thyroid and needed extra feedings and a pill each morning, and monitoring to see if the dose was working. (I had all 3 to the vet in 48 hours, whew!) AND, in case you aren't familiar, I am taking care of my 80 year old Dad who thinks he is still 40; he takes 11 pills per day and 4 insulin shots per day, and a B12 shot once per week. I felt like I had a pharmacy going, half the kitchen table was covered! And I worried about giving someone the wrong meds. All that, I was feeling fine; no cold, flu, no sore muscles from overdoing it, etc. So I need to keep all this in mind when I look at another homeless one. Can I really do it justice?

Just my thoughts on this topic!
Sandra

[Kfamr]

And like I said, I wasn't sure if you were suggesting that or not. You mentioned it a few times in the other thread, too. I didn't say you were.

[applesmom]

No I wasn't suggesting anything. I agree with what crittercrazy said in an earlier post:


Most Hoarders have a problem, they go above and beyond, even sacrificing their home, health and well being, because they think they are doing good, but in reality, doing more harm. A responsible pet owner, knows when they have enough, and can no longer afford any more. They will not saccrifice their animals health, by trying to save Just one more. JMO
Also the majority of hoarders aren't even able to comprehend the depths of the harm they're doing. They are absolutely convinced that no one can possibly take care of the animals as well as they do; even as those same animals are dying around them.

Animal hoarding is now recognized as a form of mental illness.

[luvofallhorses]

we have Four dogs and two cats and that is definately our limit and we wouldn't go out and look for another. we are very happy with who we have. :) and they get the medical care they need, food, love, water, and lots of attention. :D

[agilityk9trainer]

Interesting topic and one every pet owner should consider.

My limit is four dogs. I currently have three dogs, and frankly, I'd like to stay at three dogs, but I can handle four. Since I show heavily, I need to have at least one dog active in agility. (I train agility professionally, so going to show is part of my job.) Right now, I'm showing two dogs with one retired. I have a five year old and a soon to be four year old shelties. In two years, my main show dog - the five year old sheltie - will be seven years old. At that time, I plan on getting my fourth dog - another sheltie. when this pup is two and ready to show in agility, my current five year old will be nine years old (yuck). He will be reaching the sunset of his agility career while the new guy is starting out. My American Eskimo will be turning ten soon, and is retired. I have to not only juggle numbers, but ages to always have a dog in it's prime doing agility, yet not going over my personal limit of four dogs. It gets tricky, and planning 10 years out is important.

Pet owners should do the same thing. Having several pets reach their senior years at the same time can be financially draining, as vet bills can drastically increase. People need to take this into consideration, but few do. I'm always amazed at the people who get two or three dogs of almost the same age. Down the road, they'll have a lot of senior dogs to care for! :eek:

[critter crazy]

Interesting topic and one every pet owner should consider.

My limit is four dogs. I currently have three dogs, and frankly, I'd like to stay at three dogs, but I can handle four. Since I show heavily, I need to have at least one dog active in agility. (I train agility professionally, so going to show is part of my job.) Right now, I'm showing two dogs with one retired. I have a five year old and a soon to be four year old shelties. In two years, my main show dog - the five year old sheltie - will be seven years old. At that time, I plan on getting my fourth dog - another sheltie. when this pup is two and ready to show in agility, my current five year old will be nine years old (yuck). He will be reaching the sunset of his agility career while the new guy is starting out. My American Eskimo will be turning ten soon, and is retired. I have to not only juggle numbers, but ages to always have a dog in it's prime doing agility, yet not going over my personal limit of four dogs. It gets tricky, and planning 10 years out is important.

Pet owners should do the same thing. Having several pets reach their senior years at the same time can be financially draining, as vet bills can drastically increase. People need to take this into consideration, but few do. I'm always amazed at the people who get two or three dogs of almost the same age. Down the road, they'll have a lot of senior dogs to care for! :eek:

That is a valid point!! Having dogs at different ages, is the best way to go, altho right now i have two dogs almost the same age! Not realy my fault, but it will suck later on. one dog is almost 2 and the other dog is 3.

[agilityk9trainer]

That is a valid point!! Having dogs at different ages, is the best way to go, altho right now i have two dogs almost the same age! Not realy my fault, but it will suck later on. one dog is almost 2 and the other dog is 3.

Yes, I have two shelties in close age, too. Wasn't planned either. I had my agility sheltie when I heard about a mostly deaf sheltie pup. I couldn't get him out of my head, and now he's one of my show dogs!

(For those of you who know AKC rules, he has "useful hearing" and can hear the human voice. However, I train and show him like he is stone cold deaf, as I'd have to yell in the ring for him to hear me. I find that unacceptable. Just FYI to thwart the posts of people saying, "You can't compete in AKC with a deaf dog." Also, he's had a BAER test to prove the usefulness of his hearing, and the AKC knows of his existance. I only show in performance. He is neutered.) :)

[applesmom]

Great points agilityk9trainer! Through the years we were most active in the competitive world of dogs, we were fairly well balanced with the retirees, the adults in active competition and the youngster(s) in training.

The last two were only a year or so apart in age. Losing them so close together was extremely painful and has had a huge impact on the slowness of my decision on whether or not to have another dog.

[Flatcoatluver]

I feel I can handle 4 dogs at this time. I have had at most 3 dogs at one time. I am homeschooled and only work twice a week. We can afford everything it takes to be a reponsible owner. When I move out I think two will be my limit on account I will be paying my own bills. Even though T.j is not MY dog I am the one who trains him, baths him, feeds him, and ETC. Kind of sounds like he is mine. :p But I am not the one who pays for his food and medical bills. My mother want another dog right now, but feels with 5 indoor animals (dogs and cats) there is currently too much hair! My next dog is a non-shedding dog.

Ok I am done blabbering.

[chocolatepuppy]

Having several pets reach their senior years at the same time can be financially draining, as vet bills can drastically increase

My Lacey and RB Mandy were 10 months apart. Lacey is 6 now and Mandy died last summer at 5. They both have finacially drained us with vet bills over the last few years. Ages of my pets would never be a factor after this experience.

For me, two dogs, two cats and my fish are enough for me right now, especially with Layla being a puppy. ;)

[agilityk9trainer]

Great points agilityk9trainer! Through the years we were most active in the competitive world of dogs, we were fairly well balanced with the retirees, the adults in active competition and the youngster(s) in training.

The last two were only a year or so apart in age. Losing them so close together was extremely painful and has had a huge impact on the slowness of my decision on whether or not to have another dog.

I cannot think of many people who would give a dog a better home. A dog would love to be a part of your llife, and you know I hope you will soon get a great rescue. Yes, there is always pain at the end, but the stuff until then is so worth the shortness of their lives.

[Reachoutrescue]

My limit always changes. For dogs, two is my limit. They are a lot of work and I love to take them for runs. If I were to have more then two, my time with each would be cut short. As for cats, well you all know, I love cats! I currently have five of my own and five rescues...I guess five would be my limit of "pets". I also have five rats....several fish, and three turtles. I would have more if I had a bigger house I am sure!!

[CathyBogart]

At one point a couple of years ago I had thirteen pets. It wasn't too many for me, because they were all either bugs or reptiles. Now, I'm down to four, and it's as many as I can handle. Perhaps even a little too much sometimes.

My financial situation and living arrangements have changed since then, as has the number of animals I can take on. Oh, I go to reptile shows occasionally and gaze longingly at albino hognose snakes and pretty tarantulas, but I know it's not a good idea right now.

[dogzr#1]

I think four dogs is our limit. We currently have three dogs, but I'm pretty confident we can handle another dog. We could probably handle a cat too, instead of a fourth dog. So basically, four big furries at a time is our limit! XD

[Twisterdog]

That number varies greatly from person to person. I know people with ten plus cats and dogs that do a WONDERFUL job and could probably take in more with no problem. I know people who could not handle a second dog or cat.

We currently have eight dogs - I had six and my husband had two when we married. At this time in my life, eight dogs is not too many. I do not want and will not get any more, but this is a good number for us. I work at home, so I'm here 24/7 with the dogs. Both of our sons are very into dogs, and give them a lot of attention as well. It works.

When I was actively doing rescue, I had usually between ten and fourteen dogs in the house all the time. I stopped doing rescue, because situations changed in my life which prohibited me from devoting the time required to the rescue dogs. Fourteen dogs would be far too many now, though it was fine then.

However, when I had a "real" job and was gone all day, and had a baby/toddler ... we had two dogs. Different situation, different number I could handle.

I think therein lies the true difference between responsible and irresponsible pet owner, between rescue and hoarder, etc. - knowing your limits. Those limits vary not only from person to person but from year to year with the same person.