What should you consider when choosing the right pet for you or your family?  Saying yes to a pet means that you are accepting a duty of care for its lifetime welfare, this could be mean as long as 18 years for a dog or 16 years for a cat!

You should choose a pet or pets that would best suit your environment and lifestyle:

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Your home and property:

• Is there adequate space?

• Can the pet be securely confined?

• Can you provide adequate shelter?

• Can you set up separate areas for pets and young children (if applicable)?

 

Your lifestyle:

• How much time can you (and your family, if applicable) devote to a pet?

• Will you have time to supervise young children with a pet (if applicable)?

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How much will the pet cost to care for?  The costs which could include:

• Housing

• Feeding

• Microchipping and registration

• Vet checks; vaccinations; and worming, tick and flea treatments

• Spaying or Neutering

• Grooming

• Training

• Boarding

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​Once you have considered these factors, you may have a greater understanding of the type of pet that would suit you and your family. Sometimes, the most responsible thing you can do is to decide not to have a pet until your circumstances change.

If, however, you decide that a cat or dog would be the most suitable pet for you and your family, consider adopting one from the local animal shelter or rescue. Many healthy cats and dogs are euthanized (put to sleep) each year because there aren't enough homes for them.