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There are many things to take into consideration before adding a pet to your household. Purchasing a pet is very different from most purchases. You are purchasing a live animal that requires personalized care. This article will provide you with some guidance in determining if your family is ready for a pet.

1. Living space. The first thing to consider is your current living space. If it is an apartment, are there  any restrictions or additional fees regarding pets? You will want to find out the answers to these questions before hand. Secondly, you will need to determine if you have the space needed in your home to house the pet. What size of pen, kennel or aquarium will you need? Where will it be placed it in the home?
2. Lifestyle schedule. Pets require daily care. Would the daily care of the pet you are considering fit with your current lifestyle or would it require a change in your habits? Would you be able and willing to make those changes if necessary, such as returning home to let a dog out after work? Do you need to be away from home overnight frequently? Pet owners cannot simply jump in the car and leave town on the spur of the moment. Any prolonged absence from the home must be prepared for in advance to make sure your pet’s needs are being cared for in your absence.
3. Time commitment. Different pets require differing time commitments from their owners. All pets require food and water to be provided for them routinely. Aquariums, litter boxes and cages require regular cleaning. For dogs, the larger they are, the more time they will require for outdoor exercise. For many dogs and cats there will also be veterinary and grooming appointments to make. For those wanting to bring a puppy into the home there will be even more time required for obedience training, either in a scheduled class or on your own at home.
4. Additional costs. Whether you purchase your pet or given the pet without cost, there will still be expenses involved for their on going care. It would be wise to determine what those costs will be and whether they will be a burden on your household budget before bringing a pet into your home. How much will the pet food cost you each month? How often will your pet require professional grooming and what will the charges be? What veterinary services will be needed for the pet and how much will they cost? What if the pet gets sick or injured? Are you prepared to take on those extra expenses should that occur? What will be the cost of boarding the pet during your absences or of transporting your pet should you take it with you when you travel.
5. Family environment. If you have children in the home, they will be an important factor in your decision in several ways. Is the pet you’re considering age appropriate for your children?  Will the children know how to handle the pet appropriately? Will they be able to take on some of the pet care? Do your children have allergies which might be affected by the pet? What will be the affect on the children if the pet must leave the home in the future?
6. Other considerations. The interaction of your pets and the guests that come into your home is something that few people think about before purchasing a pet. Do you have friends or family members who could be allergic to your pet? What will be your expectations of your pets when you are entertaining guests? Will they be allowed to roam the house freely or will you need to keep them confined when guests are present?

Puppies are known for their ‘chewing’ stage. How will you protect your furniture, shoes and other personal belongings from being damaged by their gnawing? Cats, on the other hand, have been known to destroy furniture with their claws. A plan must be in place before it happens to prevent this.

Pets come in a great variety of species and sizes. Some require much more care than others. Spending some time researching these details and talking with other pet owners will help you make an informed decision regarding whether it is time to add a pet to your home at this time and what that pet should be.

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