When my husband was a young boy he had a dog named Lucky. "I tried to
teach him to catch, and to roll over and to fetch, but Lucky never learned to do any of
those tricks," he said. "Lucky would stretch out under a shade tree and nap while I
mowed the yard. He would lounge on the sofa when it was my turn to dust the living room.
And Lucky would curl up at the bottom of my bed when I did my homework.
I thought he was
the dumbest dog in the world. But now that I'm an adult, I realize that he was the smartest
dog ever."
Avoid purchasing the current pet of the hour
Avoid purchasing a pet on a whim
Determine why you want a pet
How does your lifestyle fit with the desired pet
Educate yourself on your desired pet
How long will the pet live
How big will the pet grow
How much space does the pet need (yard, pen, cage)
How much of your time per day does the pet need
Tip: Your pet may require more time when young and when old or if you pet becomes ill.
What is the pet’s personality traits
What type of care will the pet require
Time required each day
Who will provide daily care
What pet is best for your climate
What maintenance issues may result (sheds, climbs curtains, damages furniture or carpeting)
What are the noise issues (barks, chirps)
Is the pet child-friendly
What are the special needs of pet
What are the costs and expenses for the pet
Purchase cost
Vaccinations and neutering costs
Food costs
Medical, routine veterinary costs
Medical, emergency costs
Medical, prescription and medication costs
Training costs
Boarding costs
Petsitter costs
Grooming costs
Toys and accessories
Fencing, carrying case, pens
End of life costs
Other Issues
Allergies
Rules and regulations of homeowner’s associations or landlords
Is someone available to supervise pet when small children are available
Is an area to exercise and walk pets available
Can you pet proof your home (remove harmful plants, obstacles such as stairways)
