Adding a pet to your home can be a wonderful thing to do. They keep us company, entertain us and just overall make us happy. When the decision is made to have a pet, it is one that should not be made lightly. A lot goes into having a pet and all of that work is not for everyone. There are many options out there for which pet to choose and considering those beforehand will help make the decision process that much easier.
Curb Your Impulses
When trying to decide which type of pet to get, take a trip to the local animal shelter. Go in with an open mind and see all of the pets there. Spend some time with each type of pet and see what interests you. You may find that you enjoy the sound of the birds or that the cats are too wild for you. Ask questions of the workers at the shelter to help with your decision. Hold and pet any animal that interests you. The more time you spend with the animals before purchasing one, the more educated your decision will be.
Home and Lifestyle
The type of home you live in and how you live your life will be huge factors when it comes to a pet. The pet you choose will need to fit into the home you live in. Certain dog breeds are very hyper and need lots of space to run. Some birds are very loud and may disturb neighbors. Your work and work schedule may also be a deciding factor. If you travel a lot, pets will need to be cared for while you are away. If you have children, you will need to make sure you choose a pet that is kid friendly.
Care and Maintenance
All pets need to be cared for and tended to. It will need to be decided who will be responsible for certain things involving your pet. Who will take the pet outside? Who will feed the pet and water it? If you work long hours, you may need to look into having a pet sitter stop by. If you have a nanny, you may need to add those chores to their job description. All of these responsibilities need to be factored into the decision-making process.
Budget
As with anything else, a pet does cost money. There is the upfront cost when you are initially purchasing the pet and then there are also recurring expenses. Food will need to be purchased regularly. If a pet is sick, medication may need to be purchased. A pet will need to be taken to the vet periodically. All of these expenses can add up and need to be budgeted for.
Owning a pet can be a wonderful experience but it is a decision that needs to be made by looking at all that is involved. Not all pets do well in all situations so it does take some time to choose the right pet for the right situation. Having a pet is a long-term commitment and can be one of the best decisions ever made if done right.