How to Choose a Pet

When buying a pet for your family, take the time to learn which pet is right for you. It is an important decision that should take a lot of thought and consideration. Think about your lifestyle and what kind of animals you can reasonably accommodate. Review cost. Pick a pet that you can afford. You should also think about other factors, like a pet’s lifespan, before making a final decision.

Evaluate Your Lifestyle

1. Think about your current pets, if any. You want to select a pet that will fit into your current household. Some types of pets may not do well with certain animals.

2. Keep in mind the age of children in the house. Younger children may do better with animals that require less responsibility, especially if you don’t personally have the time to care for a pet yourself. Older children, who are able to care for a pet themselves, may do better with dogs or cats.

3. Consider what types of pets your home could accommodate. Evaluate your house and think about which animals would do well in your current living situation.

4. Review the time commitment for various pets. Think about how much time you reasonably have. This can affect the type of pet you get. Certain pets require a bigger time commitment than others.

5. Consult everyone in the house. Even if you’re making the final decision, talk to everyone in your family. Someone may feel strongly one way or another, and that factor could help you decide.

Review Costs

1. Create a budget. Before selecting your pet, spend some time budgeting. Write down your income and your total expenses for the month to get a sense of how much disposable income you can afford to put towards a pet.

2. Think about diet. Some animals cost more to feed than others. A pet like a dog or a cat will require dry or canned food a couple of times a day, which can eat up your budget quickly.

3. Consider vet services. Some pets need to be taken to the vet more than others. Vet bills can be expensive.

4. Look at the cost of general care. Think about everything that goes into paying for that pet’s care. This should help give you a sense of whether that pet is affordable for you.

Weigh Other Factors

1. Look into local laws regarding keeping pets. Certain types of pets that may not be allowed in a particular town or city. If you’re renting, make sure you’re allowed to have a pet in your building.

2. Consider a potential pet’s lifespan. This is something you need to consider, especially if you want to get a younger pet. Think about your current living situation and whether it’s stable.

3. Be aware of potential future changes. When you take a pet, it’s important you care for that pet for life. No one can predict the future, so think about potential emergency situations which may affect your ability to care for your pet.

4. Review why you want a pet. Think again why you want a pet to begin with. Think about what your family needs and wants in an animal and which pet will best suit your needs.

5. Consider health and safety risks. Make sure any pet you choose is safe for your family. Certain pets are not appropriate for young children. Turtles, for example, can spread salmonella and should not be handled by young children or people with a compromised immune system.