How To Choose the Right Pet

You and your family have decided to get a pet. What type of pet should it be? Well, now is the time to sit down and really consider a few things seriously. After all, it is all about finding the proper balance between your needs and your preferences. Certain questions may be on your mind that will also need to be considered. Each one is as important than the next one. Take the time to answer each one of them.

1. Do you have any allergies? Some people have allergies to cats' or dogs' fur. Unless you have a "furless" cat (there is one species that has this characteristic), you may be out of options for cats and may prefer another type of pet. Dogs are a bit different as some species have hair or wool instead of fur, which put them in a category of their own and make them good choices for people with allergies. Some of these species are the Poodle, the Shih Tzu and the Maltese. For more on how to choose dog breeds, read here.
2. Is anyone in your household pregnant? If someone is pregnant, do not get a cat. Cats' feces can infect pregnant women with a very serious illness: toxoplasmosis. It can be transmitted to a pregnant woman when changing the cat's litter. This illness is basically an infection caused by a parasite that can cause serious health problems for mother and child and also can be responsible for birth defects.
3. Do you have very young children? Having a cat may not be a good idea unless you ensure that it is out of your child's room during naptime as cats tend to lie down anywhere, including your child's face or throat. A dog, unless well trained, may bite if his tail is pulled or may be a bit rough during playtime, especially if it is a puppy.
4. How much time can you devote to your pet? A dog is hungry for company and requires some exercise and some training, while a cat is more independent. A cat still needs some company and care and his litter has to be changed periodically. A reptile and a goldfish do not require as much care or company. In some cases, certain reptiles do not need to be fed more than once a week.
5. How much money can you allow for your pets' needs? Cats and dogs both require some shots and other services provided by the veterinarian as well as good food, toys and treats, which can be costly on a monthly basis. A turtle, a goldfish or a lizard needs for you to take care of its aquarium, clean it, change its water and feed it, but are not as high maintenance as cats and dogs. Don't forget about dog training!
6. How much money can you put toward the purchase of your pet? There is a big difference between spending $400 for a dog and $5 for a hamster. Which amount can be absorbed by your budget? How much can you afford?
7. What are the inconveniences of having a certain pet? Well, cats and dogs lose their hair on your clothes and on the furniture. It can be hard to stop dogs from barking. A goldfish or a turtle's tank can become dirty and smelly very quickly. A cat's litter can be quite smelly and messy if not changed periodically. You dog's feces need to be picked up periodically. Cats and dogs can destroy or cause damages to the furniture when babies. A snake can be a dangerous pet and eats costly food items, such as rats.
8. What are the advantages that you are looking for in a pet? Independence? Cuddly? Furless? Cute? Good companionship? Can it accompany you on a walk? It doesn't take much space! It doesn't cost much? It doesn't require much care! It is not messy!

As you can see, there are several things to consider before acquiring a pet for your children or for yourself. You need to take the time to consider each question, each statement and each fact thoroughly. As each person's needs and preferences are different, you must refrain from spontaneity and think things through as having a pet is not a decision to take lightly as it is a life that depends on you!