How to Find the Right Pet for Your Family

Pets make great companions and there are studies that show owning a pet can improve the mental and physical health of an individual. Unfortunately, many people get a pet without realizing the responsibilities and time needed to maintain a pet. Thousands of animals are abandoned at shelters each year, and unfortunately some animals are just abandoned. If you prepare yourself and your family before deciding on a pet, finding the right pet for you isn't hard at all.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Be prepared to spend plenty of time with your new pet. Some animals require more attention than others, but all pets need affection and play time. Take into consideration walks for the dog, free time out of a cage for a bird and even cats who are one of the most self-sufficient pets you can own need attention on a daily basis.

2. Find out how big your animal will get. Even St. Bernard puppies are small when young, but if you choose a young pet, find out just how big the animal will be. Large animals need plenty of room to exercise either through a large yard or more frequent trips to the park.

3. Think about how your new pet will interact with other animals in your home. If you already have pets, don't expect them to immediately fall in love with the new kid on the block. There will be a transition period and it's not always a peaceful one.

4. Look into any genetic problems. Some animals are predisposed to certain ailments. Educate yourself on the particular breeds you're interested in and prepare yourself for the possibility that your new pet may develop a problem.

5. Calculate the cost. Make sure you fit not just pet food into your budget, but yearly veterinarian visits and possible ailments as well.

6. Make sure your children are old enough to handle the responsibility of being around an animal. Many young children tend to think of animals as a new toy. Be sure to educate your children on how to care and show respect for a new pet.

Tips & Warnings

• The right pet can become part of a family.

Resources

• Remove Pet Stains

[Gardengates]

on 11/2/2008 Great article on pets! I hope you get lots of readers!

[veryirie]

on 11/2/2008 Bravo for publishing such a well thought-out article. All animal lovers applaud you! 5*

[Susang6]

on 11/1/2008 very well written, and thank you for pointing out the responsibility. Such as black cats are adopted before halloween and returned after. you made excellent points. thank you for writing.

[slphilbrick]

on 10/31/2008 I like the premise behind this article. Being a responsible pet owner starts BEFORE you buy/get a pet ! If more people gave it the thought needed beforehand, many animals wouldn't end up in shelters or being put down ! 5*