Pet Question and Answer - Which Is The Best Pet For You?

* Question: How do I choose the pet that is right for my family?

In the first place, never buy a pet on a whim. Bringing a cute kitten or puppy home just because it was too cute to pass up can be a mistake.

Discuss the matter of pets together as a family before making the purchase. Remember to consider the following important issues: personal attention, grooming, playtime, daily feeding, vet care and house and potty training (if pet will be indoors). Consider asking each person in the household why they want a pet. Be sure your children understand that a pet is an important member of the family, not a toy, and that the pet's needs must be considered just as much as the humans' needs.

Then, review your lifestyle. Say, for instance, you live in a city apartment or work long hours. Then a cat, fish or bird may be considered. If you have a daily routine of jogging or running, then a dog might be appropriate for you.

If you'd like to understand the needs of a potential pet, make a point of seeking out and talking to breeders and other pet owners. Find local pet shows and talk to the judges. Use Google to search for specific breeds to learn more about the pet you are thinking of purchasing. It goes without saying that you should consider the ages of your children when planning to add a new pet to your household. An often overlooked issue is to consider the life expectancy of the pet and how this will affect your children.

* Question: Is it best to get a pet at a pet store or an animal shelter?

It's really a matter of individual choice. However, personally, I would say it is advisable to get pets from a shelter. The animals are well-cared for by the staff and are aware of an environment involving people. The shelter's staff can help you find the pet that you want. The staff can tell you which dog enjoys long walks, which animal loves children and which cat likes to curl up on your lap. In addition, animals from a shelter have already undergone medical treatments such as immunizations, spaying and neutering.

If you decide instead to get a pet from a pet store, be sure you spend time with the store owner about that particular animal's temperament, particulary for dogs, cats and other animals that will have plenty of interacation with a variety of people.

* Question: What is the best way to decide which dog is best for me?

Use the following as a guide for finding the perfect dog for you:

- Spend time reading pet guides to learn about a specific dog breed's temperament and background. Use Google to search the internet for more information about the more people-friendly types of dogs.

- Consult a veterinarian to discuss details about the characteristics and temperament of the breed you are looking for. Ask questions to understand more about it.

- After weighing all your options you plan to find a puppy at your local pet store, remember to ask for the dog's background — things like from where the dog originated, anomalies of that particular dog's breed as well as behavioral and physical problems. If you prefer not to use the local pet store, you can also look for a puppy or dog at a local animal shelter or from a private party.

- Lastly, ask for your friends' assessments and experiences with various types of dogs they have owned.