Finding the Right Pet for You and Your Family

by Tina Knight

There are many things to consider when deciding what type of pet is right for you and your family. How much room do you have? How much time do you spend at home? What is your activity level? Are there small children in the household? There is a wide variety of pets to consider when making a decision as to what type of pet to adopt; this article will help you make a decision on what kind of pet to bring into your household.

Dogs and cats

Some people are definitely “dog people” while others are “cat people”. For these people, the decision is an easy one. If you decide on a dog, but are not sure what kind to get, do your research. If you are going to get a mixed breed from a shelter or rescue, know beforehand the personality, size, age, activity level of the dog you want. The volunteers at the shelter or rescue group can help find a dog that is the right match for you. If you want a purebred dog, make sure you find a breed whose characteristics suit your lifestyle. Careful online research or talking to a local veterinarian can help you decide on a breed that is right for you. You can find a wealth of information on different breeds of dogs at www.akc.org. Cats are great for people who spend six hours or more away from home on a daily basis, for those who have a smaller living space or who live a less active lifestyle. There are numerous cats available for adoption through shelters and rescue groups. If you think you might want a purebred cat, you can find information on many different breeds by going to www.purebredcats.org.

Birds

Birds can make wonderful pets. Some people prefer the soft sounds of Finches or a Canary, while others prefer larger birds such as Parrots and Cockatoos. Research is imperative when deciding on what type of bird is right for you. The larger species of birds require a lot of attention and some species live more than 100 years. If they don’t get the right amount of attention, they can develop destructive behaviors such as biting and feather picking. They will also vocalize VERY loudly. Given the right environment, they can make very good companions. What other pet can you actually carry on a two-way conversation with? Birds require specialized veterinary care, so before bringing one into your home, make sure veterinary care for birds is available in your area.

Reptiles

Reptiles require a lot of specialized care. Before bringing this type of pet into your home, it is important to know specifically what they require, such as housing, food and medical care. Too many people take the “learn as you go” approach to the detriment of the pet. Some people like reptiles as pets because they are quiet, clean and usually require little daily care. Find a reptile dealer in your area and talk to the experts there. They can help you decide which type of reptile is best for you.

Pocket pets

Pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs and rats make excellent “starter pets” for children. If not handled enough, though, they can become anti-social and will bite. It might not seem like such a small animal could cause much damage, but they have razor-sharp teeth and can inflict a painful bite. Therefore, children should always be supervised when handling them. Be aware that they also have very short life spans, usually only two to three years.

“Exotics”

Many different animals are considered “exotic” pets; anything from ferrets and rabbits to potbellied pigs, sugar gliders, hedgehogs and skunks can fall into this category. Before acquiring any type of uncommon pet, it is important to know the needs of that particular species. Check with your local animal control officials to find out if there are any restrictions on owning certain exotic breeds in your area. Investigate if any vets in your area treat exotics and if so, which specific types.

Research is the key to finding the right pet for you and your family. Take the time to discover what pet fits your lifestyle and you will be rewarded with a satisfying relationship with your pet.