Things to Consider Before Getting A Pet

If you are like most of us falling in love with a pet is easy. Pets give us unconditional love, loyalty, and provide constant companionship. Adopting a pet, however, is a big decision. Dogs and cats are living beings that require lots of time, money and commitment -- over 15 years worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

Why do you want a pet?

Adopting a pet because the kids have been asking for a puppy or a kitten usually ends up being a big mistake. If you have children under six years old, for example, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion animal. Problem free, responsible pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to properly handle and help care for your new pet.

Do you have time for a pet?

Dogs, cats and other companion animals cannot be ignored just because you or the children are too tired or too busy. They require food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day of every year. Thousands of animals end up in shelters or are put to death (euthanized) because their owners did not realize how much time it took to properly care for their pet.

Can you afford a pet?

The adoption fee is just the beginning of a lifetime of expenses.

Please note that this list is based on a 15 year life expectancy and does not include all the expenses you will incur. Don't forget training, illness, toys, treats, bowls, bed, doghouse, carrier, kennel fees, etc. It is estimated that the average cost per year of owning a cat or dog is about $1,000.

Can you have a pet where you currently live and how many times do you think you might move in the next 15 years?

Many rental communities either don't allow pets or have restrictions as to the type of pets they allow. It is not uncommon for landlords to require an additional deposit if you own a pet. If you might move within the next 15 years, are you willing to move the pet too, and restrict your choice of housing to places where pets are allowed and where they will have the space they require?

Are you prepared to handle:

Accidents in the house, soiled or torn furniture and unexpected medical emergencies? These are common aspects of pet ownership.

How will this pet be cared for while you are away on vacation or business?

You will need reliable friends, relatives or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet sitter.

Is this the right pet for you?

Adopting a large or energetic dog to share your small apartment, for example, is probably not going to be successful. Some breeds of dogs require a lot of physical and mental exercise, if you are not willing to commit the time and energy required to properly care for these dogs it is likely they will display their frustration with any or all of the following behaviors: barking, digging, chewing or jumping. Look at your lifestyle and then do some research to determine the pet that will best fit in with you and your family. As a start, check out our handout on selecting the right pet.

Sure, it's a long list of questions and things to consider but a quick stroll through an animal shelter will illustrate why answering these questions before you decide to adopt is so important. Remember thousands of unwanted animals end up in shelters every year. In Sacramento County alone the average is about 50,000 animals each year. Needless to say, with a number that high the majority of these homeless animals must be euthanized (humanely killed).