Before you adopt, you may have a whole slew of questions bouncing around in your mind and yes, there are many things to consider. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love for the life of the pet. Choosing the right pet generally means identifying the type of animal that matches your lifestyle and wants. If you live alone in a small, third-floor apartment, for instance, adopting a large, active retriever-mix might not be the best choice! An animal's size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness, and compatibility with children and other pets already in the house, should all figure into your decision.
Here are some important questions for you to think about before adopting a pet:
1. Why do you want a pet?
It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been asking for a puppy, usually ends up being a big mistake! Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, 20, or even over 70 years for some birds & tortoises!
2. Do you have time for a pet?
Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care of them.
3. Can you afford a pet?
The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly. Plan to spend $1000 - $2000 per year for standard care of a dog, considerably more if there are medical emergencies and when pets transition into their senior years.
4. Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet might cause?
Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
5. Can you have a pet where you live?
Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home. Consider what happens when you move.
6. Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?
If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently for work, waiting until you settle down is wise.r.
7. Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?
Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active-they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
8. Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation?
You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
9. Will you be a responsible pet owner?
Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
10. Are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime?
When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.
When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime. you.