What’s Important When You’re Thinking About Getting a Pet

Making the Right Choice for You, Your Family, and Your Future Companion

Thinking about getting a pet? Congratulations, this could be the start of a wonderful, loving, and lifelong friendship! But before you bring a new companion home, it’s important to take some time to plan and prepare. Choosing the right pet is about more than falling in love with a cute face, it’s about finding an animal that fits your lifestyle, your environment, and your level of commitment.

What Are You Looking For in a Pet?

Are you hoping for loyalty and companionship from a dog or a cat? Do you enjoy the chatter of a talking bird, or the calming beauty of colorful tropical fish? Studies show that families with pets are often healthier and happier. Children who grow up with pets learn responsibility, empathy, and how to care for another living being. Pets bring companionship to people of all ages and help us focus less on ourselves and more on the world around us.

However, it’s also important to consider whether a certain type of pet is right for your household. For example, allergies to cat fur or rabbit dander could make some pets unsuitable for certain family members.

Key Questions to Ask Before Bringing a Pet Home

Where do I live — a house, apartment, or shared space?
Who owns the property, and are pets allowed?
How much space do I have for a pet?
Do I live alone, or will others share pet responsibilities?
How active am I?
Can I afford long-term pet care, including food, vet visits, and grooming?
Who will look after the pet when I’m away?
Where will I get my pet? From a breeder, rescue, or shelter?

These are some of the most important things to think about when deciding what kind of pet will best fit your lifestyle and home.

If you’re not looking for a show animal or planning to breed, adopting from a rescue or shelter is a wonderful option. Countless animals are waiting for loving homes, and adoption gives them a second chance at life.

The Pandemic Pet Boom

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pet adoptions surged as people sought companionship while spending more time at home. For many, pets filled a void of loneliness and brought joy into uncertain times. The hope now is that those same owners continue to make room in their lives for their pets as the world returns to normal, recognizing the lasting positive impact pets have brought into their homes.

Choosing the Right Type of Pet

Small Mammals

If you’re considering a rabbit, guinea pig, or hamster, think about your space and household. For families with young children, guinea pigs and rabbits are often better choices than hamsters, which can be more prone to biting. Gerbils are friendly but excellent escape artists!

Make sure your small pet has a safe, comfortable home, a sturdy cage with appropriate bedding like straw or shredded paper, and areas for sleeping, eating, and exercise. If you let your rabbit roam freely indoors, remember they love to chew, especially on electrical cords!

Dogs

Dogs are one of the most popular pets, with more than 350 breeds to choose from. Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas or toy poodles, adapt well to smaller spaces, while larger breeds, like Great Danes or Labradors, need room to roam and plenty of exercise.

Research your chosen breed carefully. Every breed has unique traits, energy level, temperament, and care needs. For example, terriers are full of energy, herding dogs like Border Collies are intelligent and active, and hounds can be friendly but stubborn to train. Understanding your dog’s nature helps ensure a great match.

Cats

When choosing a cat, don’t base your decision on looks alone. Consider their age, personality, and how well they’ll fit into your lifestyle.

Shy or older cats may need patience and a calm environment.
Playful, curious cats love interaction and thrive on attention.
Mature, mellow cats prefer quiet homes and gentle companionship.

If you have other pets, make sure your new cat will feel safe and comfortable. And remember, kittens and puppies will explore everything, so make sure to “pet-proof” your home before they arrive!

A Lifelong Commitment

Pets come into our lives for a reason. They teach us compassion, unconditional love, and responsibility. They help us fight loneliness, bring laughter, and even encourage us to be more active and social.

But bringing a pet into your world is a long-term commitment, it is not a temporary decision. This living being will depend on you for care, safety, and affection every day of its life.

If your circumstances aren’t quite right yet, it’s okay to wait until you can truly be a forever pet parent. When the time is right, your new friend will be worth the wait.