Pet Animals

A pet animal is an animal kept primarily for a person’s company, entertainment, or as an act of compassion such as taking in and protecting a hungry homelesscat. Pet Animals are an important part of almost every household in the country and are kept either for domestic purpose or for commercial use.

It has been medically approved that pets give significant health benefits and help in relieving stress. The most popular Indian pet animals generally constitutes of several breeds of dogs and cats, birds and few fancy species of rodents like guinea pigs, hamsters and white rats. A few animals are sufficiently capable of adapting to human interaction to be considered domestic.

Types of Indian Pets:

Type of pet	Information
Dogs	1. Dogs are believed to be a classic example of domesticated animals normally suited to being pets. 2. International breeds like Labrador, Bull Dog, Doberman, German Sheperd, Boxer, and local breeds such as, Combai, Rajapalayam, Kanni, Mudhol Hound are amongst the most preferred. 3. Dogs will follow their human companions loyally even into anger. Many armyand police dogs are the most loyal and bravest companions an officer could have in the hour of peril.
Cats	1. Bengal cats are the among the most popular pets in India. 2. Persian cats are the most expensive breed, costing anywhere around INR 25,000-30,000. 3. If cats are provided with adequate care in terms of medical attention, nutrition and a safe environment, they can live up to 20 years.
Rabbits	1. Rabbits are one of the popular pets in India. 2. They need cages and regular maintenance. 3. They have a lifespan of 6 to 7 years. 4. Rabbits are a joy to play with. 5. They are alert, active and plenty of fun.
Horses	1. Some people keep horses as pets. 2. Today, horses are mostly used for entertainment and sports. 3. They are also still used for work and transportation in some places. 4. Horses are used insports such as cross-country, show jumping, horse polo, rodeo events etc. 5. Showjumping, cross-country and dressage are Olympic sports.
Fishes	1. Fishes are also kept in many households as pets. 2. Most people in India like angelfish, tetras, koi carp, guppies, gourami, suckers, and hilsa (common freshwater fish). 3. The fascinating alligator gar, a freshwater fish that can grow as long as 10 feet! 4. A saltwater aquarium, on the other hand, needs constant monitoring for the salinity of water and requires a higher water to fish ratio. Fully equipped marine aquariums cost INR 20,000 to 25,000.

Maintenance of Pet Animals:

All animals deserve to be given freedom and protection because they give us unconditional love and loyalty at all times.One must choose one’s animal with care, being sure that the owner can look after it correctly.

A person must consider the space they have for keeping a pet, whether he can exercise the pet regularly, and feeding it properly. Moreover, the owner of the pet must take proper care so that the neighbours are not disturbed by the presence of the pet in their house and the entire locality. The Government of India introduced several pet laws to safeguard the interest of the pets.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act was enacted in December 1960 to prevent cruelty against the animals. Later in 1962, the Animal Welfare Board of India was set up under Section 4 of the PCA 1960.

Interesting Facts:

• Dogs have about 100 different facial expressions, most of them made with the ears.
• There are more than 350 different breeds of dogs worldwide.
• A dog’s sense of smell is 1000 times greater than a human!
• Nine percent of dog owners will have a birthday party for their pet.
• Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds, while dogs have about ten!