Is a new pet in your future?

Ah, the joys of pet ownership. It is difficult to imagine a world without our feathered and four-legged friends, nor would we want to. Pets bring so much to our lives. They can be our greatest companions through thick and thin, and they never judge or criticize. The best part is they don’t get angry if you forget their birthdays–well, maybe not the best part, but you get the point. They’re just happy to see you, day or night, and we love them for it. If you’re thinking about welcoming a new pet into your life, here are some things to consider.

If you’re the free and breezy type, getting a new pet is going to disrupt your life to a certain degree, depending on the individual pet’s needs. Unless it’s a snake, you can’t just come and go anymore. You’ll have less freedom, and you’ll need a sitter for most pets whenever you’re gone for any real length of time. Not only do you need to be aware of this, you need to be realistic about it, too. It’s only fair to the animal. So, make sure you’ve given this proper consideration before you go a step further.

Matching up your needs with a new pet is important. Ask yourself what you’re looking for in your new friend (companionship, home security, kids’ pet). How much time you can spend with it? Will it be high maintenance (i.e., need frequent walks/exercise)? What is its temperament? If you’re thinking about getting a dog, do you want a mutt or a specific breed? Mutts tend to have fewer health issues than pedigrees, which often leads to longer life spans. On the other hand, certain breeds are well known for their even dispositions, virtually guaranteeing the temperament of the dog.

Have a heart, be an angel, and consider rescuing your new pet from your local pound, animal shelter, or Halo Foundation. There are so many unwanted pets in the world already, and you’d be amazed at how many of them are pedigreed. Yes, pedigreed pets get kicked to the curb almost as frequently as your garden-variety mutts. Though there are rescue foundations specifically for almost any breed you can think of, the adoption fees at these places can be significantly higher than fees at a pound or shelter. As you decide on a pet, please be responsible. Animals not disposable. Once you bring the animal home, you should be committed to your pet for the rest of its life.

You’ve finally decided on the latest addition to the family, and you want to welcome it home. If your new pet is going to reside in a cage, choose a location that will afford the animal the type of environment it will need in order not only to survive but to thrive. Take into consideration such things as lighting, temperature, drafts, and safety. If your little buddy is going to be able to roam free, pet proof your home as you would for a baby or small child. Make sure your new pet can’t get into anything harmful or that you don’t want destroyed. Provide the animal with plenty of toys to chew on or play with as a diversion to destructive behavior. Finally, being a responsible pet owner means making sure that you help keep your pet healthy, with all the animal’s vaccines kept current. In short, “Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are.”