| If you have decided it is time for you to adopt a | | | | cats can use a litter box to go to the bathroom. |
| pet there are many factors to consider when | | | | Cats do not seem to mind if you are not home all |
| making this decision. Do not consider an animal to | | | | the time, but dogs require more attention and |
| be just a pet, consider that they will be a new | | | | affection from you. If you do not meet the |
| member of your family and they have needs just | | | | animal's needs, you may come home to find your |
| like you do. Before you rush into an important | | | | sofa chewed to pieces, accidents on the floor, or |
| decision like this, realize that the type of pet you | | | | other disruptive behavior issues. Cats do not |
| choose will have an ongoing impact on you and | | | | require daily walks like dogs do and may just be |
| your family's lives and will require a certain | | | | the right pet for a person who does not have |
| amount of care, love and attention from you on a | | | | much free time. |
| daily basis. Know how to choose the right pet | | | | Another important factor to consider when |
| before you bring an animal home and you will be | | | | deciding how to choose the right pet is whether |
| off to the right start. | | | | or not you or a family member have any allergies |
| The first things you must consider are your | | | | to animals. One way to find this out is to spend |
| lifestyle and living situation. Do you live in a house | | | | time with dogs and cats and see if there is any |
| or an apartment? Do you have a lot of free time | | | | reaction. Usually if a person is allergic to animal fur |
| or are you away from home often? If you live in | | | | or dander, time spent with the animal will tell all. |
| an apartment, you will need to find out if pets are | | | | Do not assume, however, that if you are not |
| allowed. If you are away from home a lot, you | | | | allergic to dogs that you will not be allergic to cats, |
| will need to consider that as well. Dogs are | | | | and visa versa. Each animal species has different |
| certainly man's best friend and do make | | | | fur and dander and you will need to spend time |
| wonderful pets but require lots of care and | | | | with whatever animal breed you think you want |
| attention. You need to consider if you have time | | | | to adopt. The last thing you want is to adopt an |
| to spend with a dog, playing, walking daily and | | | | animal, bring it home, and then find out you have |
| training. Without the proper attention, training and | | | | an allergy. |
| love, you can create a pet that has bad manners | | | | Another important thing to keep in mind is your |
| and behavior problems. | | | | finances. Can you afford a pet? Make sure you |
| If you decide a dog is the right animal for you | | | | take into consideration that every pet will come |
| then you must decide if you want a large or small | | | | with expenses. Food, beds, vet bills, toys, etc... all |
| breed. Consider your living situation when making | | | | need to be considered. Animals do require some |
| this decision. If you live in a small apartment, you | | | | of their own personal belongings to be happy. Pet |
| may not want a large dog. Large dogs have a | | | | food alone adds up in a monthly budget expense |
| great deal of energy and in a small living space | | | | so make sure you know you can afford the |
| they cannot expel it. A smaller breed may be a | | | | expenses that come along with being a pet |
| more suitable choice. If you live in a home with a | | | | owner. |
| yard, you can choose any size dog that you | | | | Every animal deserves a good and loving home. If |
| prefer provided you have more space available | | | | you decide to adopt an animal and you've done |
| for the animal and a yard to play in. | | | | your research on how to choose the right pet |
| If you are away from home often, you need to | | | | first, you will help prevent some of the unwanted |
| consider this regardless of what animal you would | | | | problems from things you could have avoided in |
| like to own. All pets require attention and care | | | | the first place. Once you have figured out which |
| daily and also some social interaction. If you have | | | | animal will make your family complete, I |
| a busy lifestyle, perhaps a cat would be a better | | | | recommend getting your new family member |
| choice for you. Cats are more self sufficient and | | | | from a shelter in your area. There are lots of |
| independent that dogs in many ways. Dogs need | | | | homeless animals in shelters that would love to |
| to be taken outside on a regular basis, where | | | | for you to bring them home. |