Top Ten Things to Consider when Choosing a Pet

When it comes to the kind of pet to get for your family, there are so many options - from traditional dogs, cats and fish, to the less conventional birds, reptiles and even hermit crabs! Here are ten tips to consider when choosing a pet.

1. Involve your child in the choice. To avoid neglect, if your child cannot have the pet he/she requested, be sure to discuss why and suggest alternatives before arbitrarily bringing home something else.
2. Children less than ten to twelve years of age cannot yet handle many of the responsibilities associated with a pet's care. Since the bulk of responsibilities will likely fall to you, choose your pet accordingly.
3. As a family, learn everything you can about a perspective pet. Make sure you understand all of its requirements and have the equipment needed.
4. Choose a pet that fits your family's life style. Do you have the time to care for the pet? Who will care for it when you go away?
5. Make sure the pet you choose is within your family's budget. When it comes to pet care there can be many unexpected costs - toys, habitats, vet bills, etc.
6. Consider the space a potential pet needs and make sure your home can accommodate it - this includes space needed for aquariums, cages, etc.
7. Baby animals grow up! Something tiny and adorable as a baby may grow too large for your child to handle.
8. Make sure you can provide your pet with a safe retreat when they need a break, such as a bed or crate for a dog. Instruct family members about the importance of leaving pets alone when they're in their safe space.
9. Know the history of all possible pets. In particular, if you are considering an exotic species, make sure it has been bred by a reputable breeder.
10. Consider a pet's potential life span. For some pets, such as smaller pocket pets, it can be quite short (a few years or less), for others, such as parrots, it can be very long (forty plus years).

By Rochelle Strauss