How to Choose a Pet

Do you want a pet but don't know what? Here's what to consider when choosing a pet. Pets can be a life-long responsibility so be careful what you choose to share your life. Pets are live animals - not stuffed animals to be discarded when you are "tired" of them.

STEP 1  

Adopting the right pet can be a challenge. Think about what type of animals you like. 

Do you like small and easy-to-care for pets? Or do you like medium care pets? Or do you like large animals? When your thinking about size remember how cats and dogs can grow, big cats can stay a good size but some cats grow big. It all depends on the type of cat or dog.

STEP 2

The cost of a pet can play a factor in choosing the right pet. 

Consider both the initial cost to purchase the animal as well as on-going maintenance cost of feeding, veterinary care, etc.

STEP 3

If you're thinking of getting exotic pets, check your municipal/county, provincial/state and federal laws on owning and importing the animal. 

If you're importing an animal from outside the country, check with the airlines and/or Customs/Port Authority on the necessary paperwork and quarantine procedures for animals coming from the source country. These regulations can change between borders without notice at any given time depending on health regulations.

STEP 4

Look at what your housing allows.

If you're renting or living in an apartment or condo, does your building allow the type of pet that you want? Rules can vary widely. Many buildings allow smaller pets but not larger ones, some won't allow certain animals regardless of size, some allow pets with a larger damage deposit, etc. Check with your landlord for the specific species, breed and size you're thinking of getting. Get permission in writing, have your lease/contract updated if you think there could be a problem.

STEP 5

Ask yourself various questions about different kinds of pets:  

Aquatic Pets

1. How much space do you have to spare?
2. Do you have a plug near your free space?
3. Do you have enough time to look after it? This means more than feeding. 
4. Do you have the time to commit to regular aquarium cleaning sessions: bagging the fish individually, cleaning out pumps and filters, washing the entire structurre and then gently putting the fish back without upsetting them too much?

Avian Pets

1. Do you have enough space? The larger the bird the larger the cage it needs.Some birds, especially large parrots, have long life spans. African Grey parrots, for example, live an average of 50 years. Budgies, on the other hand, live 5-15 years. Don't choose a bird that you're not willing to make a lifetime commitment to.
2. Do you have time to spend with them? Cages need to be cleaned weekly. Birds should be misted every few days. They need at least several hours a day of interaction with a human. A lone bird can get bored easily and can develop bad habits of over-grooming and over-eating which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Toys and appropriate avian companions can help mitigate this issue, but they still require interaction with the family, they may not get along with their bird companions and it would also affect overall costs, space, etc.
3. Many avian pets are prey species. As such, they have evolved to not show signs of illness until they're almost dead. Do you have a keen sense of observation to be able to get your bird medical attention promptly?

Lizards/Snakes

1. Will you be prepared for a long living pet?
2. Will you be willing to feed it crickets and mice?
3. Do you have enough space? Snakes and some lizards can grow to very large sizes. Are you prepared for increasing space requirements?
4. Who will look after it when you go away?

Dogs/Cats

1. Are you allowed dogs/cats where you are living? Do you have an enclosed yard, or are you prepared to walk a dog to provide sufficient exercise?
2. Can you pay for obedience training? Having an unruly animal can play havoc with your life. Even if you decide not to attend a formal obedience program, you should be prepared to doing some reading and apply necessary discipline for basic training.
3. How much attention can you devote? Most dogs have to be walked every day and have to go outside to relieve themselves. Certain breeds of dogs develop behavior problems if left alone for extended periods of time.
4. Who will look after it when you go away for a while? Check for the availability of boarding kennels and pet sitters in your area, if you do not have friends or family who are willing to care for your pet when you are away.
5. Do you move around a lot? Dogs particularly may not respond well to frequent changes in their immediate habitat.
6. Are you getting an adult pet or a young pup/kitten? If it's the latter, make sure the baby is old enough to be separated from the mother. Younger animals need a lot of care and affection. Keep in mind, that they require more nurturing and a lot of looking after. This means major time commitment on your part.
7. Dogs and Cats can live up to an average of 15 years, depending on breed. Will you be up to that much commitment?
8. Can you afford yearly vet bills and unexpected vet bills? You may wish to consider Pet Insurance.

STEP 6

If you can't afford all of these expenses, try IMAGINARY PETS. ;)

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