Choosing A Pet 101: Is Your Family Ready For A Pet?

Furry, fun and adorable, pets can add plenty of joy to life. Pet ownership has been scientifically proven to improve our health, enhance our sense of well-being, and raise our self-esteem. But before you start thinking about adding a pet to your home and family, it's very important to make sure that you and your family are ready, willing and able to provide for that pet's needs.

Types of Pets

From fluffy to downright slimy, there is a type of pet to suit everyone. Whether your tastes tend towards the feline, canine or reptilian variety of creature, there's a pet to match. You'll find pets for sale and adoption just about everywhere. Some pets require plenty of care and attention, while others prefer to be admired from a distance.

In deciding on which category of pet is best, you should ask yourself a few important questions:

Is anyone home to care for our pet?

While a goldfish or hamster can be quite happy spending lots of time on its own during the day, a puppy or kitten can become very lonesome if left alone for hours at a time. This can result in behavior issues in your pet - and just isn't a good practice when it comes to pet care. Make sure that there is someone to keep company with and to care for your companion before you commit.

Can we afford a pet?

The price of buying or adopting a pet isn't the only expenditure you will face when adding a pet to your family. Pets require veterinary care, proper nutrition and equipment in order to be healthy and happy. A dog or puppy will need his first shots and veterinary exam; flea, tick and heartworm preventative medications, a bed or crate, good quality dog food, a collar or harness and leash, grooming supplies, treats and toys. A cat or kitten will need a litter box and scoop, cat litter, a bed, wet and dry cat food, grooming supplies and toys. They will also need a yearly visit to the veterinarian for shots, deworming and a wellness examination. Small pets, fish and reptiles are not as costly, but still need equipment, bedding and food.

Do we have time for a pet?

Pets like puppies and kittens thrive on human companionship. Without this, like us, they may suffer depression, become sick or display destructive behavior such as chewing up the furniture or leaving "presents" for you around the house. Before you commit to a time-intensive pet of the feline or canine persuasion, make sure that you and your family will be able to give your pet the attention they need and deserve. If you're never home or always busy doing activities that a pet won't be able to participate in, a goldfish or pet frog may be the best choice.

Do we have room for a pet?

When deciding on which kind of pet to choose, keep in mind that some breeds of dog need plenty of space. If you live in the city in a small apartment, a German Shepherd puppy may not be the best choice (and a horse is simply out of the question! :)

Just about everyone can enjoy the benefits of pet ownership, keeping in mind that setting yourself up for success in the beginning is the best rule of thumb. Make sure you have the time, financial resources, environment and schedule to properly care for your pet before you go out and buy a puppy, kitten or pot-bellied pig. If you have given yourself the green light, then the wonders of companion animal parenthood await you.

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