Choosing Your Pet

By Chyna Dolores

Life is full of joy and wonder. One of the greatest joys in life would have to be having your own pet. Pets are a wonderful thing they can supply company when alone and joy with some of their antics... but how do you go about choosing the right pet for you? The choices are endless. It is much more than choosing a dog, cat, fish, bird or reptile... there are so many breeds of each to choose from.

For many people a pet is as important as any other family member. Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience and bring hours of enjoyment for the whole family. The decision to own a pet is a serious on that needs to be properly considered. It is important to remember that owning a pet is a full time responsibility; it takes time, money and a life-long commitment.

Most animals rely on their owners to meet their needs and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. There are many things to consider when choosing a pet. It's not just a matter of picking out the "perfect" animal. Pets are very much like children, they need love, attention and care throughout their lifetime. Some questions you need to ask yourself are:

* Can you afford a pet? It's not just a matter of buying food for your pet. You need to consider things like vaccination, micro-chipping, de-sexing, vet bills, grooming, bedding and proper housing. The costs vary between different types of pets.

* Do you have time to care for your pet? Your pet does not need you solely to supply his meals. Exercise, grooming, play and obedience are important aspects to consider. Not all pets require the same amount (or type) of attention.

* Do you know how to care for your pet? Different animals have different requirements and needs. If you have only had experience with dogs, than caring for a cat or fish are going to be a completely new experience for you. There are several organisations that can advise you on the specific needs of your new pet, such as the RSPCA, animal shelters and pet shops.

* Do you have the required space for your pet? If you live in a small apartment than a large dog is probably not the ideal pet for you, if you really want a dog perhaps a smaller breed (such as a pug) is the better choice.

* Will the pet fit into your lifestyle and priorities? A pet will always depend on you and must therefore be accommodated into your lifestyle. Working long hours, taking frequent trips away and a hectic social life are all factors needed to be considered before selecting and purchasing your pet.

Once you are sure that you can provide your pet with a loving home, it is time to go out and choose your pet... and enjoy the rewarding experiences your pet will provide.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.