SUMMARY WRITING (OWNING A PET)

Read the passage below and answer the question that follows. Based on the
passage given, write a summary no longer than 115 words.

Owning a pet has great benefits. Pets bring joy and love. They help to relieve loneliness
and reduce tension. However, deciding to own a pet, and choosing which pet to own can
be a difficult decision to make, but one that will hopefully bring you excitement, fun,
interest and companionship for years to come. In return, a pet owner is required to
provide all the things necessary for their pets' well-being. Owning a pet can be a big
commitment and should not be taken lightly. Several considerations should be taken into
account before you decide to own a pet.

Responsible pet ownership does not mean giving the animal food and water and nothing
else. Pets need much more to be happy and healthy. Pets can be very demanding. Having
pets can be fun and rewarding, but it also requires commitment and responsibility as pets
depend on their owners for everything. Pets also need space to move about. Large breeds
of dogs, for example, require more space and lots of exercise. Therefore, they need
houses with large compounds. Generally, large pets are not suitable for apartments or for
elderly owners.

Pets can be expensive to keep. All pets need food and shelter, and most should have
regular visits to a veterinarian for health checkups and vaccinations. Depending on the
type of animal you choose, other cost considerations would include emergency medical
treatment, grooming, boarding, licensing, obedience training, and accessories. Pet owners
should be prepared to deal with the cost of caring for a pet. In addition, they need a
constant supply of food and vitamins to stay healthy.

Pet owners have to devote some time each day to training, playtime, and general pet
maintenance. Some pets require a significant amount of attention and time in order to be
happy, and may not be right for people with busy schedules. People who do not have a lot
of time available to spend with pets may choose low-maintenance pets such as birds,
hamsters or fish. These types of pets will be able to live independently with little
interaction with their owners. If you do not want a pet that requires a lot from you
physically, then consider getting tame pets like rabbits and fish that do not crave too
much attention. You just have to provide them with basic necessities like food and
shelter.
The time factor is one of the biggest considerations facing potential pet owners. Pets take
up a lot of time. Potential pet owners should think about the amount of time they have to
devote to their pets and the responsibilities that come with it. Pets like dogs require a lot
of attention. They require regular baths, training and a lot of play.

Choose a pet carefully. With such a wide variety of pets to choose from, there will be a
pet out there that will suit all different lifestyles, desires and housing environments.
Decide how much time you can spare and choose a pet that is compatible with your
lifestyle. Before deciding on a particular pet, do some research? Make a list of all the
characteristics you look for in a pet. Read about the type of pet you wish to own or talk
to other pet owners who have similar breeds. Educate yourself on the breeds and their
specific needs. Research will help you to choose a pet that suits your lifestyle.
Responsible pet owners are committed to ensuring the wellbeing and health of their pets
at all times and providing a high quality of life for their pets. They make sure that their
pets eat healthy diets, have love and attention, yearly vaccinations and live in a safe
environment.

With some work and effort, pet ownership is a very rewarding experience that everyone
can learn to love and enjoy. A pet will give years of companionship under the right
circumstances and will allow everyone plenty of love and affection to share. Pets should
not be chosen on impulse. Looking after pets is a long-term commitment and should not
be taken lightly.