If your family is considering the addition of a new furry friend to your family, you may be wondering what’s the best way to decide what kind of pet will fit in with your lifestyle and living situation. There are many factors that you should consider when selecting a new pet, both for your family and for your pet. Of course, existing or potential pet allergies should be the first item that factors into your decision. Children and adults that are not in regular contact with pets may have an existing allergy that they are not aware of. Consider visiting an animal shelter or even a family or friend that has a pet you can spend time with to help determine if you have and allergy or sensitivity to that pet, prior to making a commitment to an animal.
Once you’ve determined that your family is free of potential pet allergies, you can then move on to the type of pet that may work well for you and your family at home. There are the obvious choices of a cat or dog, but there are also some other options (even for those that do have pet allergies), like fish, birds or reptiles. If your family already has a specific pet in mind, like a dog, then you should consider the different sizes and breeds of dog that are available. Houses with young children may not want a large dog that could accidentally knock over and injure their little ones. There are many online resources available to help you decide which pet would work for you; like this article available through AMVA (American Medical Veterinary Association).
Now that you’ve figured out what type of pet your family is looking for you can determine if you will purchase your pet from a reputable breeder or to help save an animal from a shelter. Both options are great and can be very rewarding, depending on your family’s goals for choosing a pet. You may decide that a pure-bred puppy is what your looking for or you may not have children and feel that rescuing an older dog or cat is right for you. You can find pets of all ages, sizes and breeds online at Petfinder.com.
So, now that your ready to bring home your new furry family member you’ll need to make sure you have all things he or she will need to be happy and healthy at your home. You’ll be able to find most of these items at your local PetSmart.com. Be sure to consider all of the items that your pet may need, both now and in the future. A few items to consider are:
- Food & bowls
- Beds
- Brushes
- Collar & leash
- Cage or Bowl
- Flea or tick medication
- Toys
- Shampoo
- Treats
If you take the time to consider your family and your pets needs before making your final decision, you are sure to have a fun, loving and caring future together. Pets can certainly be a large responsibility, but also bring a lifetime of love and friendship that is well worth the effort. Choosing your new best friend is a truly rewarding experience for both you and your new pet!