Selecting the Right Pet for Your Family

So, you want to bring a pet into your life, home and heart? How do you choose just one out of the all too many that await a second chance? There are several things to consider carefully when you make that lifetime commitment to a companion animal. They deserve nothing less.

Consider your lifestyle, financial outlook, family situation and living environment, now and in the future.

How much time do you have to commit to your pet? Dogs require more time, attention and effort than cats. A dog needs lots of time to play and just be with you; to love and be loved. Cats are somewhat independent but thrive on attention as well. They also like to have their litter boxes cleaned once per day.

Do you have a job that may require you to relocate? Be ready to incorporate your pet into your move and all future living arrangements. If you aren't, don't get one. Don't break the heart of a pet, which considers you their family. Moving with your pets certainly requires more effort, but they are a member of the family and well worth it.

Do you plan to buy a house in the future or downsize into a condo or apartment? Too many people don't keep their animals simply because of this life change. Plenty of apartments take pets of all sizes. You can find them if you look for them. If you are moving from smaller accommodations to a house and yard, it is important to remember that adopting a larger dog means committing to that kind of arrangement for the next 12 years or so. Many pets wind up abandoned at shelters no matter their age simply because "my new place doesn't take pets." It's all about making a commitment to that pet!

Do you plan on having children if you don't already have them? If so, adopt a dog that gets along with kids already. Bear in mind the size of the dog. Larger ones are going to be clumsier around your toddlers. Perhaps a small to medium dog would be more appropriate.

Are you planning on moving on to a job that requires more of your time? Dogs require a large time commitment. It is up to you to make that time available as you would for any other appointment or client or project. If you anticipate not having as much time in the long run, perhaps a cat would be a better pet choice.

Are you ready to be required to be home within a certain number of hours in order to take your dog for a walk, feed him, play with him or let him out? Owning a pet can change your daily routine. Plan for it. Expect it. Look forward to it. There is a friend eagerly waiting for you to come home, depending on you for his happiness and well-being.

Are you planning on getting married during the lifetime of the pet? This can often change living arrangements. A future spouse may be allergic or have pets that don't get along with your own. You need to realize that you have made a commitment to this animal and even when it is least convenient, for better or worse, that pet is a member of your family. All too often, when they simply become inconvenient, pets are abandoned at shelters.

Are you moving away from home or going to college? This is usually not a good time to commit to pet ownership. If you are moving away and getting a place of your own, settle in and get used to your new routine first. Then, and only then, think about adding a companion animal to your new home.

What are the ages of your children? The smaller the kids, the more supervision they will require around a pet, for both the child's sake and the pet's sake. Puppies like to nibble on everything with their sharp little teeth, including your kid's fingers. Adult dogs, while they may get along with children just fine, should not be expected to put up with a toddler or child who doesn't realize the pain he could inflict on the dog. Teach your children to be gentle, kind and considerate to their pets.

What kind of temperament should I look for? Some dogs are more active than others and therefore require a different living environment and activity level. The age of the dog can also be a consideration. The younger they are, the more work they can be. There are many advantages to adopting an older pet who is already trained and much calmer than a puppy or young adult dog. The size of the dog can also be a factor. Many smaller dogs have higher exercise requirements than larger ones.

Is everyone in the household part of this decision? It is important that a new pet is welcome by ALL the members of the household therefore ALL members should be part of the initial decision to get a pet as well as the choice of what that will be. It's everyone's commitment.

What will be the parameters of the pet's role in the family? Determine and agree ahead of time where the pet will sleep and spend the day. Assign the walking, feeding and caring, especially if children are involved.

What about allergies in the family? If you have a family member with any kind of allergy, it is important for you to understand that it is NOT the hair that creates the allergy but rather the dander from the pet's skin. Selecting certain types of dogs or cats based on their hair will not be as much a factor in living with the allergy as you think. If a family member is allergic to dogs or cats, better to simply not get one.

Are you financially able to commit to this pet's healthcare and other emergencies? This is often one of the most overlooked aspects of pet care until something happens, either illness or accident. There are not only the annual visits and shots, etc., but the illnesses, just like with people, that pop up, particularly as the pet gets older. It is a promise you silently make with your pet to care for him/her in their old age, which can be the sweetest time of a pet's life and their relationship with you.

If you carefully consider all of these aspects of pet companionship and feel that you are able to make this kind of commitment, then it is time to begin your search for the pet that best fits into your home, now and in the future. We hope you will choose a HALO pet, but wherever you wind up finding that special "friend," make it a rescued one for sure.