Choose a Pet

How to Choose a Pet That Suits Your Lifestyle

Take the time to read this good advice on how to choose a pet and you may save yourself trouble and disappointment in the future.

You’ll love your new friend even more if you sit down and work out some likes and dislikes before you go to the pet shop.

Because once you get emotionally caught up by the sight of all the cute little faces, big brown eyes, wagging tails…STOP!

Just read this first, ok?

How Much Room Have You Got?

If you have more room you can choose a pet that is larger and more active. Is your house and yard area safe and fully fenced (both to stop your pet getting out and others getting in)?

If you are thinking of a dog, is there enough room for it to run around and do doggy things like digging?

Do you mind if your garden gets trashed?

Have you got furniture you can’t afford to have scratched?

Are there other animals or birds that could be affected? For example, do you enjoy feeding birds in your garden? Or have chickens that are used to free ranging?

If you are renting your home you will need to check your lease to see if pets are forbidden or if there are size restrictions.

As a general rule, if you don’t have much space you will be limited to small dogs, cats, birds, fish, or reptiles. Or you could try mice, guinea pigs, or rabbits – although these can be smelly, and the rabbits and guinea pigs do best with an outside area.

Go ahead and choose a pet dog if you do have a yard that is large and well fenced. Make sure it has somewhere to get out of the weather.

How Much Time Can You Spare?

New pets need time to get to know you and to bond with you. Can you commit to putting in a lot of time with a new puppy or kitten?

Do you go away on business a lot? Or have family weekends away?

If you aren’t going to be home much during the week choose a pet that is naturally independent – like a cat or fish. Have more than one so they can keep each other company.

Think really hard before you choose a pet dog if you aren’t home much. Dogs generally need lots of company and attention. A lonely, bored pooch means trouble to both you and your neighbors.

If you do go away on weekends a lot think about whether you could bring a dog or snake with you. Just remember, some animals don’t like to travel.

If you have an exotic pet, like a snake, you’ll need to be careful about who you get to care for it when you go away. Ask local pet shops if they offer a sitting service.

What’s Your Budget Like?

You need to be really realistic about this one.

Your new pet may need new bedding to sleep on, a full vet check up with vaccinations, food and bowls, toys, and don’t forget collars or cages...

And this will be a commitment for the lifetime of your pet.

Who Else Lives In Your Household?

Does everyone in the house agree to a new pet? Make sure this is ok first to avoid serious disappointment down the track.

How old are your kids? Young kids or babies must be supervised with your pet all the time. Children under the age of 5 can show little sense around dogs and cats even if they have grown up together. It’s not too hard to predict how an animal will react to having its tail pulled or eye poked.

Is anyone in the house allergic to animal hair? If so, you'll need to choose a pet that can be kept completely outside. Some breeds of cats and dogs are low allergy. Or choose a pet like fish or reptiles.

Is anyone at home elderly or ill? Pets can make excellent companions but take care that the pet you choose isn’t too active or boisterous – this can be a real hazard around anyone unsteady on their feet or with fragile skin. Keep those claws clipped.

Do You Like Brushing, Clipping And Grooming?

Generally the longer and hairier your pet is, the more time you will have to spend looking after it.

If you just don’t have time then look for a short haired pet that needs minimal care. Or how about a turtle?

Do You Want A Cuddly Pet Or A Watchdog?

You’ll have a pretty good idea as to why you are thinking of choosing a pet in the first place.

• Is it for your kids to play with? Maybe you want them to learn some responsibility?

• Maybe you are lonely and want a pet that will sit on your lap and keep you company?

• Maybe you want the added security of an assertive, loud dog to guard your property?

Think about whether it’s important to you to have a pet that gives you attention and wants to play with you.

Should it be independent? Quiet?

Some animals crave company and attention, are affectionate and active. Some act like they don’t even know you are there. In between are cats.

Are You Into Designer Brands?

Do you think you’d like to choose a pet that you can enter into shows?

You’ll need to focus on purebred animals. This is easy with snakes, fish and birds as there is less risk of getting cross breeds.

With cats and dogs you’ll need to be more careful and only buy from reputable breeders with papers.

Join a local group to keep up with the calendar of shows and for tips on how to show your animal to its best advantage.

Stuck for ideas on pet names? Click here for good advice on how to choose a name for your pet.

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