Falling in love with a playful puppy or a cuddly kitten is easy - who wouldn't? Even that endearing adult seems like a good idea at the time. But there are many factors to consider before adopting a pet - and everyone should wait for the time to be right so as to ensure a long and happy life together!

First, consider why it is that you want a pet.

Wrong reasons abound, including children who want a pet, having time on your hands right now, feeling lonely or vunerable after a life change, or irrational emotional reasons. Never get a pet for someone else.

Good reasons include a desire for animal companionship and wanting to care for and share life with an animal, combined with a suitable pet and the capability to care for and commit to the animal. In which case, the falling in love part's OK, too. What are your expectations for a pet? Once your reasons have been examined and are legitimate, read on.


Some questions you should be asking yourself/points to consider:

  -How much time and energy do you have?
To properly care (feed, train, groom, play, exercise) for a dog will take 2 or more hours a day...longer for high-energy dogs (or puppies, temporarily)...for the LIFETIME of the animal. This means 15 years or more for a lot of pets. Some types of pets are less time-consuming, some more. Do you have the time and energy for it not just now, but also for years to come? Time constraints are often realized only after a pet has been brought home. Think hard about this one, and foster an animal FIRST if you are unsure if you do have the time, or are willing to make it. Many animals are in shelters because their owners couldn't foresee how much time it took to care for them.

  -What is your financial situation?
It is estimated that yearly cost of a dog is in the hundreds of dollars. Just because you can pay the adoption fee doesn't mean the financial outlay is over. Don't forget unforeseen accidents, equipment, and food. Be sure you can afford a pet before you bring one home.

  -What is your housing situation?
If you rent, are you allowed a pet? If you own, are there homeowner association rules? What about local town and county regulations? How big is your place, and therefore what kind of pet can it actually accomodate? Are you planning on moving? Ever in the next 15 or more years? Maybe? If so, are you prepared to find new accomodations that are pet friendly? This often means housing will be harder to find and more expensive. Housing is one of the most common reasons people give up pets. Be sure yours is good and stable, or don't get a pet.

  -What are your future plans?
Are you planning to go back to school? Have kids? Take on a different job? Move to Tahiti? Of course, some life circumstances are unforeseeable, but take a look at where you would like to be in 5, 10, 15 years. Is there room for a pet in those plans? Just because you have time for a pet now doesn't mean you will in the future, so think hard about this one.

  -What is your family situation?
Do you live with your family? Getting a pet us a decision that has to be made by all members of the family. Will a pet be welcomed by everyone in the household? It is important for everyone in the home to agree on and then be consistent about household rules with the pet. And remember, even if kids are involved, caring for a pet inevitably becomes the adult's responsibility. No matter how much they beg, the primary caregiver of the pet will me mom or dad. Do mom and dad want and have the time for a pet? Please realize that pets don't teach kids reponsibility and caretaking - parents do. Does anyone in the home have allergies to pets?

  -Who is the pet for?
For your kids? For your boyfriend? For your mom? The only one and correct answer is FOR YOU. Getting a pet for anyone else is a bad idea.

  -Is a good time for you to get a pet?
When you are going through big life changes, such a marriage, divorce, a new baby, or a work change, is NOT a good time to add an animal to the mix. If you are a student, travel a lot, or are in the military, it also is not really a good idea to get a pet just yet.

  -Are you willing to live the pet lifestyle?
There will undoubtedly be hair, poop, dirt, spilled things, and wear and tear on clothes and furniture. Your pet will likely destroy something of value to you, sometime in your life. Can you live with that?

  -Can you fit a dog into your routine?
Can you exercise your dog before and after work, and be sure he has bathroom breaks every 5 or 6 hours? Who will care for your dog if you can't get home when expected?

  -How is your health?
Do you have allergies to pets? Do you have the physical stamina to keep a young lively dog or horse exercised? Do you have any physical restrictions which would affect caring for a pet? Is it likely your pet will outlive you?

  -Training and social interaction
Pets enjoy and need the interaction; separation and isolation can cause problems. Dogs are social animals who need interaction with people and other animals frequently. Will you treat your animal as a valued family member, and not leave it out in the yard?
In addition, pets also need to learn some rules. Will you make time to participate in as obedience class with your dog? Many dog behaviors like chewing, barking, and jumping up can become problems. Will you be a kind and patient teacher to your pet? Are you willing to work with your pet to solve behavioral problems if they arise? Trainers are also a wonderful resource. Do you have the time and money to work with one if you need to?

  -Do you travel a lot?
Who will care for the pet when you are away?

  -Will you be a responsible pet owner?
Will you spay or neuter your pet? Take it to the vet when it needs to go? Are you willing to abide by pet laws? Feed it quality food? Are you prepared to liscence your pet and follow all local laws, including keeping it leashed and/or under control at all times when necessary? Are you willing to clean up after your dog as required in some areas?

  -How committed are you?
Your pet will need you - EVERY DAY - for the rest of it's life, which can be 15 years or more. Pets will demand and deserve your time. Are you ready to commit to this?

Consider the needs of animals:
-Food
-Water
-Shelter
-Cleaning up after
-Love, attention, and companionship
-Exercise
-Socializing
-Training
-Grooming
-Vet care
-Equipment

Clearly, there are many things to think about regarding responsible pet ownership. Of course, living with an animal, when it's the right one, can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things life has to offer. Or, it can be an annoyance, a headache, a nightmare, or a heartbreaking experience if you have not considered everything you should have. We encourage you to think wisely. If you are unsure, come talk to us at the Animal Adoption Center. We are here to help you make this decision.

In some cases, your situation may not necessarily mean you can't have pet, it may just limit your choices. Don't despair if you can't have a dog or cat! There are many different kinds of pets, with different levels of responsibility involved. There may indeed be one right for you.

And for those of you who realize you aren't ready, you are the better person for acknowledging it and not taking in an animal who you can't care for properly. How about helping your local shelter of humane society in the meantime? (hint, hint)

And last but not least, if you ARE ready...which pet to adopt? But that's another story for another time...(See Choosing the Right Pet For You)

Sources:
www.bestfriends.org
www.ddfl.org
www.saveourstrays.com
Weiner, Cheryl "Are You Ready for a Pet"