Choosing the Right Pet

Congratulations on deciding to bring an animal companion into your life! Adopting a companion animal can be a very rewarding experience, however it is also a very big responsibility. The number one cause of failed human-animal relationships is choosing the wrong pet for your lifestyle. Make the decision to be a responsible pet owner, and choose your pet wisely. Here are some things to consider BEFORE you bring an animal home.

Allergies:
If allergies are a concern, or if you even suspect that a member of your household may have allergies to pets, it is vital to find out for sure BEFORE you bring an animal home. Your doctor can run tests to determine what kind of allergies you have. Keep in mind that some breeds are less likely to trigger allergies than others; doing some research on potential breeds can help you find exactly the right pet for you. Once you have made your decision, visit an animal of that breed for a few hours and gauge your reaction. Do not adopt until you are absolutely certain.

Living Arrangements:
Do you own or rent your home? If you rent, do not simply assume that your landlord will allow pets. Many rental properties have restrictions on the type and size of animals that you may have. Also consider how much space you have. Some animals require room to run about, and others are perfect choices for apartment dwellers. Again, research your breeds before bringing an animal into your home.

Time and Financial Considerations:
Your companion pet needs to be well suited for the type of lifestyle which you have. As a general rule, dogs and birds require the most interaction with their humans. Leaving either of them alone for long periods of time can make for an unhappy pet. Cats require somewhat less interaction with their humans, but still need a fair amount of love and affection daily. Smaller mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters require still less interaction to remain happy, yet these can also be very rewarding pets to own. Reptiles require the least overall amount of interaction. However, all pets will require a certain amount of attention to attend to their basic needs such as feeding, watering and sanitation. Financially, a pet can be quite costly. For the average dog, you can expect to spend about $1000 annually on food, veterinary care, and supplies- and that is outside of the cost of first year expenses such as spaying/neutering and puppy vaccines. (These will run at least $500) Then you should also factor in the possibility of a veterinary emergency- could you afford to pay for treatment if your pet were to suddenly become ill?

Research, research, research.

Getting a pet is a serious commitment. Animals are not simply disposable commodities- when you bring a pet into your home, you are making a commitment to that animal for the duration of its life. By carefully researching the choices available to you and using resources such as your veterinarian, breeders, and humane societies, you can make a well-informed decision and choose the pet that suites your lifestyle best.