Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family

Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family: A Guide for Albury–Wodonga Households

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If you have any concerns please call (02) 6054-1838

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Bringing a new pet into your family is an exciting decision—but it’s also a big commitment. Whether you live in central Albury, suburban Wodonga, or on a rural property in the region, the right pet for your lifestyle will make all the difference.

Here are some tips to help you choose a pet that suits your home, routine, and family dynamic.

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1. Consider Your Lifestyle

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Every pet requires time, care, and attention—but some more than others. Ask yourself:

• Are you home often, or do you work long hours?
• Do you travel frequently?
• Are you active and outdoorsy, or more of a homebody?
• Do you have young kids or older family members at home?

For example, energetic dog breeds (like Border Collies or Kelpies) need lots of exercise and mental stimulation, while cats or small mammals like rabbits can be more independent.

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2. Think About Space

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Do you have a big backyard in Wodonga, a unit in Albury, or live on a property in Thurgoona? The size of your home and outdoor space will influence what kind of pet you can comfortably care for.

• Dogs require different amounts of space depending on breed, and may do best with access to the house via a dog door. They like to explore their world with you on walks.
• Cats can thrive in smaller indoor spaces, with 3D access (up is the best) and are happy and safe when allowed safe access to the outdoors
• Birds and reptiles require specific enclosures to maintain their welfare and health
• Fish and small pets can live happily in compact homes. All animals in enclosures require significant commitment to daily maintenance of their hutch, cage or tank to keep them clean, well fed and healthy.

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3. Allergy Awareness

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If anyone in your family suffers from allergies, it’s important to do some research before bringing home a furry (or feathery) friend. Many dog breeds have been developed to be more allergy-friendly, and some people are allergic to only particular types of cat hair.

While some pets (like reptiles or fish) don’t shed at all, they come with different responsibilities.

Chat with your GP and  Call us for helpful advice if you’re unsure.

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4. Consider Age and Energy Level

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• Puppies and kittens are adorable—but they’re also a lot of work! Make sure you are well prepared. We can talk with you beforehand to give you guidance.

• Adult pets dult pets are almost always in shelters for behavioural reasons. While you have skipped the puppy phase, you will often need to spend time undoing the damage done by previous owners and trainers. We work with a lot of dogs in these situations, and with patience and a willingness to trust the process, we have many success stories as a result. We recommend that all dogs adopted from shelters come in for at least two screening appointments for behaviour. One at adoption, and another after they have settled in. This way we can create a treatment plan for their behaviour issues as soon as possible and get you the pet you want.

• Senior pets are ideal for quiet households and often have lower energy needs, however they may have ended up in a shelter because the owners couldn’t afford the treatment they need in their senior years. It is important to fully examine newly adopted senior pets to ensure any health issues or painful conditions are identified early and we get your new buddy as comfortable and heathy as possible for their golden years with you.

Adopting from local shelters in the Albury–Wodonga area is a great way to find pets of all ages and temperaments.

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5. Cost of Care

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Pets come with ongoing costs including:

• Food
• Vet visits and vaccinations
• Desexing and microchipping
• Grooming
• Toys, bedding, and accessories

Larger animals or exotic pets may cost more to care for. Make sure your budget allows for the long-term costs of pet ownership.

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6. Involve the Whole Family

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Before committing, have a family chat! Who will feed, walk, and clean up after the pet? Are your kids ready to help care for an animal?

Getting everyone involved from the start builds responsibility and ensures your new pet becomes a loved part of the family.

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7. Adopt, Don’t Shop

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There are many amazing rescue organisations in the Albury–Wodonga region that rehome pets of all shapes and sizes. If you’re not looking for a specific breed, consider adoption—it’s a great way to give a second chance to a deserving animal, but go in with your eyes open and an expectation that your new pet will need some behavioural help and or some medical help.

If your circumstances mean that a specific breed will be best for you, then do your research and buy from a reputable breeder. They need to be registered with the Australian Kennel Club, they should show you both parent dogs and be happy to have you drop in any time to see their breeding facility. Do not buy from gumtree or FB marketplace. There are many dog selling scams that use those platforms. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t buy. You can report places that look unsanitary to the RSPCA.

Our team at Murray River Animal Hospital can help guide you through this process.

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Need Help Choosing a Pet?

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Whether you're adopting your first furry friend or expanding your animal family, the team at Murray River Animal Hospital is here to help. We’re happy to provide advice on breed suitability, pet health, and everything you need to get started.

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📍 Based in Wodonga and caring for pets across Wodonga, Lavington, Thurgoona, and the wider region

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📞 Call us today if you have any questions

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