Pet ownership is commitment of time, money
Here are some things to consider:
Accommodations. Think about what pet size will fit best in your home. Check to see if there are any pet restrictions in your apartment or condominium.
Finances. Dog/cat food, grooming and heartworm prevention, or yearly expenses — such as shots, exams and possible illnesses — can add up. Make sure your budget allows for regular expenses, as well as emergencies.
Time/Exercise. Pets cost money, but they also require time. If you are gone most of the day, you might need to make arrangements for a pet sitter. Or you might want to go home to walk the dog. I trained Ava to run on a treadmill, since boxers need a lot of exercise.
Age. Are you really ready for an energetic puppy or kitten? Or would a senior animal be more your style? Think about what works with your lifestyle.
Training. If you get a puppy or kitten, are you willing or able to house train and provide basic obedience training? Take advantage of local resources, such as training programs at pet stores, shelter or kennels; online videos; and dog trainers who make house calls.
Supervision. If you have young children, be sure to supervise them around your new pet. Also, pet-proof your home. Put away items you do not want chewed on or broken. Ava chewed up dozens of my shoes until I learned to stop leaving them on the floor.
Allergies. If you have allergies, you might want to rethink getting a pet or consider a low-shed, lowallergenic variety, such as a poodle mix.
Adoption. Every pet adoption comes with a health evaluation, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, a microchip, an adoption gift courtesy of Hill’s Science Diet and a complimentary wellness examination from a VCA Animal Hospital.
If you taken everything into consideration and still want to adopt, a forever home for a pet is as much a gift to the animal as it is to you. And Ava and I wish you every happiness.