Choosing Your First Pet

Bringing home your first pet is a very important decision that should be made after a lot of consideration. While there are many people and families who are prepared for the total commitment that’s needed, it’s easy to underestimate just how much work goes into caring for a pet throughout their lifetime. There are daily responsibilities that need to be taken care of, such as feeding, accommodations and training.Before you even select a pet, you should first ask yourself these questions:“Why do I want a pet? Why does my family want a pet?” Is it just because the children keep begging for one? Remember that most—but not all!—kids don’t realize the responsibilities needed to take care of a pet. Do you want company or are looking for a partner when you go on your daily jog? Is it something you’ve always wanted and are finally in a stage in your life where it is possible? Contemplate on all your reasons for getting a pet before deciding. Aside from the daily tasks, the long-term commitment should also be something that you consider.“What kind of pet do I want?” Do you prefer one that you and your loved ones can play with and train, or one that doesn’t require too much social interaction, exercise or maintenance? Your pet’s needs should be aligned with your lifestyle and personality as well.Choosing Your PetIf you feel that getting a dog is the best choice for you and your home, the next question to answer is, “What type of dog should I get?” Here are some questions you should think about:“What size should my dog be?” If you have small children in your household, a dog that’s known to be kid-friendly and safe is a must. Don’t think that the smaller dogs suit young kids best, as small breeds tend to be very active around children. Getting larger dogs that tend to be calm around excited children is your best choice in this situation.“Should I get a puppy or an adult dog?” Getting a younger dog means having to allot more time to their training, care and exercise. If you’re a busy person, then a calm, adult dog should be high on your list.