how many dogs/cas are too many?

[EccentricaGallumbits]

i feel the need for another dog. a small one if that makes a differnce. but already have Bigdog and Smalldog and 3 cats.
Bigdog is gettig on a bit but could be around for another 5 years or so.
I want a puppy.

depends how big your house is surely, we have small dog (puppy) 2 cats and 5 chickens (was 7 till last week ) I want another dog but wonder if it would be too much, we live in a 3 bed terrace with a smallish garden.

Three dogs and 3 cats here as well as a pet ferret.

My dogs are all rescue dogs - there are enough being killed in pounds across the country without me going to a breeder and making the situation worse. I'd be lost without my dogs.

As well as the amount of time, tolerance and so on you have I'd advise that you consider how Bigdog and Smalldog will react to a mewcomer, and how Bigdog WILL cope as he gets older and perhaps less tolerant and energetic.

Would you consider fostering for rescue? You get all the fun without the commitment or the food and vet bills and would be tremendously appreciated to boot.

Well it depends, how much space and time do you have for the 5 pets you already have?

For me that's too many, but then I have a tiny garden, and very little free time.

I agree it depends on the space/time you have. You could go to rescue who will home asses you. They will look into your situation and if they agree you have the time and space will match you with a suitable dog for your family set up.

just thought of mentioning, as your other dog gets older vet fees would get higher and more regular, which is another thing to consider.

I have 2 old dogs and the insurance now is higher than what I pay for my car and house insurance combined. There are also lots of things that are not covered by insurance. They also need a special diet now that doesn't come cheap and finding a place for them when we are away is costly. So, I wouldn't get another one just because you want a puppy, the fun will last for a year and then what?

Consider fostering or even volunteer to host a guide dog. You get the puppy stuff without the huge economial commitment.

I would say max two "walking" pets and 2 "cage" or "garden" pets at any one time, assuming an average size house and family, unless the animals are somehow working- ie chickens.

Too many is more than you have time/space/money too look after. So will vary depending on person and circumstances.

I had 21 cats yesterday, now down to 19 (3 mums, 1 pg ready to drop mum, 3 five week olds, 5 three week olds and 7 newborns) Will let you know how many we have when Mum drops!! lol oh, also an African grey parrot a budgie & fish.

All cats are fostered though I do feel a little out of my depth especially as the newest mum was coughing all last night :( She's not in great condition and with a large litter it's taking it's toll.