Animal Outreach

Choosing a Pet

There are many benefits of having a pet. In addition to companionship, more and more research has shown a connection between having pets and good health. Pets can help lower blood pressure and reduce depression. Having pets is also a good way to teach children responsibility.

The decision to get a pet should not be taken lightly. Pets are a lifetime responsibility, and you should plan on making a 15-20 year commitment when you decide to share your home with a pet. NEVER adopt a pet on impulse! With the right amount of thought and planning, choosing a pet can be a rewarding experience for all involved.

1.	Involve the whole family in the decision to adopt a pet. Know who will be responsible for caring for the animal and write down individual responsibilities so that everyone knows what to expect.
2.	Pay close attention to your family's lifestyle. How much time and attention can you give to a pet? Is anyone home during the day? Pets, especially dogs, need plenty of love and attention. Do you have small children? It is up to you to judge their maturity, but extra care and attention is needed to educate very small children on the proper way to handle pets.
3.	Be aware of any allergies or other health concerns of family members. It's better to know before you bring home a pet if someone in the family is allergic.
4.	Assess your home environment: How much space do you have? Do you have a yard? Is it fenced? Do you have a place for litter boxes? Do you rent or own your own home? If you rent, are there any restrictions on the type of pet you may have?
5.	Keep in mind financial considerations. In addition to the initial cost of adopting an animal, there are ongoing expenses such as food, toys, veterinary expenses, litter, etc.
6.	Know your family's temperament: Do you want a pet that is full of energy and loves to play? Do you want an animal that will sit in your lap? Be aware of your motivations in adopting a pet. Make sure that you express your wishes clearly to the shelter or rescue group so that a good match can be made - write down your thoughts and take them with you.
7.	Never rush to get a pet. If you aren't certain that you've found the type of pet you're looking for, don't feel obligated to get one "just because." The most important thing you can do is make sure that you have found the right companion for your family. That is truly a win-win situation!
Once you have made the decision to bring a pet into your life, the next step is determining what type of animal will fit best with your family. Your answers to the questions above probably pointed you in the direction of a specific kind of animal. If not, spend some time thinking about your family's lifestyle again. Dogs are very social animals and can provide excellent companionship. They also require a bit more care than cats because they usually don't use litter boxes and need to be exercised regularly. Cats are a bit more independent and require a little less care because they use litter boxes and can usually respond well to free choice feeding (nibbling on their food throughout the day). Usually cats handle being left alone for longer periods of time better than dogs. Cats also provide great companionship and many love human interaction. Perhaps neither a cat nor a dog will fit with your family's lifestyle right now. There are also hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, rabbits, fish, and reptiles to choose from. The most important factor is determining what will make the most sense and be the best fit. Spend some time educating yourself and your family on the different types of animals. Even if you decide to adopt a dog or a cat, different breeds and individual animals have different personalities. Use your library's resources to find out more about different breeds, or contact a breed specific rescue and ask them questions. Many local animal shelters and rescues can provide you with information about different breeds and the individual animals in their care. Finally, be prepared for your new pet. Make sure that you get the necessary supplies, such as food and litter, before you bring your new companion home. Also, ask your friends and neighbors to recommend a veterinarian. And lastly, give your new pet time to adjust to his or her new life!