What pet should you get? A cat? A dog? A hedgehog? And, of course, every kid wants a pony!

When you choose a pet, you accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living thing. You’re making a promise to care for your pet for his/her entire life. You also become responsible for your pet’s impact on your family, friends and community.

Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you consider carefully what type of pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle. Make the right decision to ensure the years with your future pet are happy ones.

When considering a pet that’s right for you and your family, consider the following:

• Can you afford the costs of caring for your pet? Some species or breeds of pets have special needs that may require additional cost or effort. Think of the needs your pet will have for food, housing, socialization, exercise, grooming and veterinary care, and make sure you can afford and are willing and able to provide them.
• How long will you be away from your pet? Do you work long hours or travel frequently? Some pets need more frequent exercise or feeding, and might not be a good choice for owners who spend a lot of time away from home.
• Who will care for your pet in your absence? Consider not just short-term absences, and plan accordingly for your pet’s care.
• You are making a commitment to that pet for their life, so consider what you will do with your pet if your life situation changes.
• Consider also the amount of exercise your pet will need, and whether your living arrangements accommodate that need.
• Are you able to provide the amount of attention your pet will need? And how many years are you willing to commit yourself to caring for a pet?
• Do you already have any pets? If so, will your current pet accept another pet of the same or a different species? If you’re not certain, contact us at Good shepherd pet Hospital.
• What are you looking for in a pet? Do you want a lap warmer? A running buddy? Or a pet that’s easy to care for? This will affect your pet choice.
• Who will care for your pet? Consider the experience level and abilities of the caretaker who will provide for the pet, as well as how much time they will have available.
• If you have young children, a pet that’s active at night would not be as good a choice as one that is active during the time your child is awake.
• Although it’s good to involve children in caring for pets if you have them, it is unrealistic to expect a child to be solely responsible for any pet’s care and welfare.

Good shepherd Pet Hospital can help, If you’re not sure that a pet you’re considering is right for your family, call us at 813-920-0303