How to Find The Right Pet

There are so many pets that no longer have homes because the pet didn't "fit" into their family. It's very important to choose the RIGHT pet for your and your family. A pet that will become a true family member.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Research! Research is key to finding the right pet. Do you want an animal that is going to give you a lot of love and affection, all the time? Something that doesn't require too much work? Do you go away a lot and need a pet that can go a few days on it's own? Do you have small kids that might hurt the pet depending on it's size? Do you have a lot of time to spend with the animal? Are there any allergies? These are all the ideas you will want to answer.

2. Decide if you must start with a baby animal, or if your willing to give an older animal a new home. If your ok with an older animal, I'd highly recommend the site below called petfinder.

3. 

   If you have kids you will need to do your research and make sure they will be ok with kids, and they aren't too fragile for kids to be around. This even goes with dogs. A child can fall and crush a chihuahua easily so it's something to really consider when deciding on the right pet.

4. 

   If you have kids, chances are they will have friends over from time to time. Or if you like to entertain, than you need to make sure if you get a dog that the dog is friendly with strangers. Don't think your going to be a dog whisperer and you can train it to get used to people. Many times what is bred into them is TOUGH to get out.

5. If your leaning towards a dog. Do you have a lot of room for it to run? You may need to consider a smaller breed if you don't have a sufficient amount of space for the dog to run.

6. Birds require a lot of time, and dedication. The size of the bird, as well as the amount of noise they make will help you with the right decision. If you live in an apartment dwelling you don't want to go with a bid that makes a lot of noise such as the conure family.

7. Check around with people who have the same kind of pet your looking into. Find out how to care for the animal BEFORE deciding it's the right one.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your research! You don't want your new pet to end up in the shelters.
• Think shelters instead of breeders and pet stores
• If you don't have enough time for an animal your "friendly" animal may turn mean and vicious, or very depressed.

Resources

• Pet Finder

[Thims]

on 12/23/2008 Dogs seem to be the most adaptable around children. Good advice!

[Pamelateda]

on 12/20/2008 You are so right! Great article!