Bringing a pet into your home is a major decision. Unlike purchasing a new X Box game, which will require the occasional replacement of batteries, a puppy or kitten changes the family dynamics. Now I don’t for a moment compare this with a new child! However in real life, there are probably a few similarities. This new pet, especially if it is of the 4-legged variety, will have an impact on everyone in your household — adults, children and even your other pets. Deciding on the best pet is extremely critical. Now is the time to do your legwork. Ask yourself the following questions:

Why do I want one? Be honest.
Have you fallen for the sad little faces peering out of pet shop kennels?
Do you feel the need to replace a pet that you lost?
Are you looking for a companion to make your home feel less empty?
Do you want a pet to cuddle with during TV hours?
Do you want a pet that can return your love?
If your answer was yes to the above, you can rule out aquarium pets and exotic pets. If the “love and cuddle” factor is not involved, then the horizon is still fairly broad.

Am I ready to take care of an animals needs?
Ready to get up early to walk a dog?
Prepared for daily scooping of cat litter?
Okay to handle dog or cat baths and grooming, regularly?
Able to handle cost of food, medicines, vet bills?

Will there be much impact on the rest of the family?
Are there any allergies to consider?
Is everyone prepared to share the care of the pet?
Is everyone able to agree on the same variety of animal?

Can my home be prepared for an animal?
How much space do you have for a pet?
Do you live in a small apartment or a big house?
Is there a fenced backyard?
If you rent, will the landlord okay your choice?
Will there be any negative affect on neighbors – like a barking dog?
Is there nearby access for walking a dog?
Are your premises safe – no 10th floor balcony that a cat could fall from?

If all is well so far, then choosing the best variety of pet is next. Consider the amount of time required for daily maintenance and decide which fits.

Aquarium pets are the lowest maintenance pets and include:
Fish
Snakes
Lizards
Turtles
Your time commitment to these animals will probably be about 15 minutes a day for feeding and about an hour a week to clean tanks or cages.

Caged pets are probably next lowest in maintenance:
Smaller birds
Rabbits
Rodents (guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, mice, and rats)
These pets require 15 to 30 minutes a day of feeding and about an hour a week for cage cleaning.

Cats are relatively low maintenance, requiring 15 minutes a day for feeding and litter box cleaning.
They can be left alone for several days at a time, with sufficient food and water. Keep in mind that their personalities can vary greatly and while some don’t mind being left alone, others will be very lonely and demonstrate it by their activity when you return.

Dogs are medium maintenance pets. They require much more attention and time than cats. They need to be exercised and fed daily, and groomed regularly. Dogs may also have to get training or obedience lessons, and need way more human interaction than other animals. Expect to spend an hour or two every day taking care of your canine pal.

High Maintenance Pets include:
Horses
Large birds like parrots
Exotic animals like chimpanzees, llamas, or pot-belly pigs
These animals require a lot more care, attention, time, and money. They also need a lot of space, so unless you live in a zoo or on a large farm, high maintenance pets probably are not for you!

Do not overlook this thought. If you start out with a baby, a kitten or puppy for example, the bond you develop will probably be stronger, but not always. However the extra effort required to train the young animal, will require considerably more time and frustration. If that is not for you, then think about adopting an adult animal where the hard work has already been done. You need to be more cautious on your choice of animal, to ensure you don’t get traits that are undesirable. But often your new pet will soon become your best buddy, for the remainder of his life.

For more information check out choosing a new pet. Articles on pet health, pet care, pet stories can all be found at should you get a new pet.

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Tags: choosing a new pet

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