Now take our quiz to help you pick a pet

GettIng a pet is a very exciting time, but providing everything for a new animal can feel overwhelming. We can help you choose the right pet for you, and understand the needs of the pet you think you would like.

think P-e-t-s — Place, exercise, time and spend … with bonus points for additional knowledge. Consider the following points from the PDSA:

How big is your garden?

All pets need space to run and play, but dogs in particular need regular access to a safe and secure outdoor space. Many cats also enjoy being able to exercise outside, and rabbits and guinea pigs need access to a run to be happy and healthy.

A) I don’t have a secure garden. B) I have a small secure garden. C) I have a large and secure garden.

How active are you?

Dogs enjoy regular walks and playing off the lead whenever it’s safe for them to do so. the amount of exercise a dog needs depends on their age, health and breed. All pets enjoy fun games and playing with toys to keep them active, but with small pets you can do this in your house.

A) I’m not very active and don’t really spend much time outdoors. B) I spend a lot of time outdoors but I prefer shorter walks. C) I love long walks and am not put off by bad weather and muddy paws!

How busy is your life?

Pets are generally sociable and dogs, especially, love your company. It’s really important that they aren’t left alone for longer than four hours, as dogs can become anxious and distressed. Walks, training, play time, feeding, cleaning their home, grooming and visits to the vet can start to add up and might take more time than you think.

A) I have little free time and am out for long periods most days.

B) I’m out of the house for most of the day but I have quite a lot of free time once I’m home. C) I have lots of free time to devote to my pet.

What can you afford to spend?

It’s not just the initial cost of getting a pet which you need to consider. Food, equipment, toys, flea and worm treatments, pet insurance premiums, replacing a chewed-up bed or unexpected vets bills — it all adds up over the lifetime of your pet, especially as they get older or if they develop health problems.

A) I can afford £20-£80 every month — up to £1,000 a year. B) I can afford £80-£125 every month — up to £1,500 a year. C) I can afford £125 or more a month — £1,500-plus a year.

What do you know about the sort of pet you want?

We’re a nation of animal lovers, but the reality of owning a pet can be quite different from what we expect. researching as much as you can about the species and breed of pet you want is really important, and the real- life experiences of other pet owners and advice from a vet are essential. Make sure you know about the Animal Welfare Acts and the five welfare needs that each pet requires to be healthy and happy.

A) I don’t know much about the pet I want and have never had a pet before. B) I’ve never owned the sort of pet I’d like before, but I have done lots of research. C) I’ve done research and once owned the pet I want to get.