Find the Perfect Pet for You!

Why is it so important to choose the right pet?

Every family is different. Our lifestyle, our habits, our living space. Because pets are different too, it’s important to choose a pet that fits your world so that you and your pet are both happy. All you really need to have is love, compassion and responsibility. And commitment, lots of commitment.

How to Decide?

Pets are a wonderful addition to a family. Statistics have proven that people who have a pet have less stressed than those that don’t. However, what kind of pet to should you get? A dog, a cat, a gerbil or a fish? An iguana, a snake, a rabbit or a bird? There is a pet for everyone, however every pet is not for everyone. It’s important to evaluate your lifestyle and the time you have to devote to a pet. It’s also important to look at the projected life expectancy of a pet. If you are getting a fish, you won’t have to worry too much about taking care of that fish for your entire lifetime. However, a budgie or a dog can live for ten to fifteen years. Do you want to have a pet for that amount of time? Are you getting a pet for your kids? Will they be long gone and have children of their own, while you still have the dog or the budgie? On the other hand, a pet with a long life expectancy can be a wonderful member of the family for many long and happy years. Most pet owners will tell you that their pet is a very special member of the family.

What kind of Pet is Right for Me?

Space? Small pet, large pet? Expense? How much do I want to invest in a pet? What equipment do you need? If your pet is a dog, you will have annual checkups, flea and heartworm medicine to pay for. What is your activity level? If you get a dog, do you have a place to walk it twice a day? Will you want to? Some pets can be left by themselves and some not. Are you home all the time or out all the time? These are all valid questions that you need to think about.

Where to Get It?

The local Rescue Centre is the place I would recommend going first. The homeless pets that they have really need a loving family. Just because they have been rescued doesn’t mean they couldn’t be a great pet for you. You will be rewarded with a wonderful companion. You can also go to a local breeder directly, to see how the pets have been raised, and what kind of environment they provide the parents and their new babies. If you want to purchase from a pet store, ask who their supplier is? In the case of puppies, we have all heard about the atrocious conditions in puppy mills. Believe me, you do not want to keep these mass-producing breeders in business.

The Benefits of Getting the Right Pet…

Do your research, talk to friends, talk to your relatives. When you have made your decision, you will have chosen the right pet for you and your family. You will enjoy a healthy and satisfying relationship with a pet that will give you love and companionship for years to come.

Written By Beth Stewart, a Canadian dog loving freelance writer