Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’re thinking about adopting a pet, the first question you should ask yourself is: what are my needs for this pet? Some pets may be better suited for certain people and some people may be better suited for certain pets. For example, if you live in an apartment and don’t have a yard or garden then maybe adopting a dog isn’t right for you. It’s important to think about what type of environment your new friend will have before making any commitments because some animals require more space than others do.
Figure out what you want your pet for.
If you’re looking for a pet, the first step is figuring out what kind of lifestyle you have. A dog that stays inside all the time needs a lot less space than one that goes outside regularly. A cat who can go outside should be able to handle climbing trees and jumping fences, but if your cat is indoors-only and not an avid climber or jumper, then it might be best to get an apartment-friendly breed such as a Manx or Turkish Van kitten.
Do you want a cat, dog, fish?
Knowing what kind of animal you want is important, but it’s also important to know what kind of animal will be the best fit for your lifestyle. Here are some pros and cons of cats and dogs:
Cats:
- More independent than dogs (but still need attention!)
- Quieter than dogs
- Easier to care for than dogs (litter box vs. walks/potty training)
Dogs:
- Require more attention than cats (walk them, play with them) and are generally more social animals
Do you have allergies?
If you suffer from allergies, you may want to consider adopting a hypoallergenic dog or cat. These breeds are typically low-shedding and produce less dander, which can cause allergic reactions in those who come into contact with it. The following list of dogs and cats has been determined by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as having low shedding and being generally accepted as hypoallergenic:
- American Hairless Terrier – This breed is hairless with a soft skin that is often mistaken for leather in texture. They do not shed as much as other dogs but require regular grooming to avoid skin problems such as dryness or infections caused by bacteria entering open wounds on their bodies due to lack of fur covering them completely like other breeds have naturally occurring protection from dirt getting on their skin when out in the yard playing fetch!
- American Shorthair – This breed has short fine hair that does not shed much at all making them ideal for families with allergies since dander levels will be lower than most other domestic animals including cats specifically bred for this purpose like Persians who tend towards being very hairy compared even just within breeds of cats themselves!
Do you have other pets?
- If you already have other pets in the house, it’s important to make sure that the new animal will get along with them.
- Make sure that you can provide enough attention for a new pet.
Are you looking for a companion animal?
Do you want your pet to be a companion animal? Companion animals are friendly and affectionate, and can be trained to do tricks. They can also be trained to use a litter box, walk on a leash and sit, stay, roll over and play dead. Some companion animals are even trained to fetch!
Are you looking for a guard animal or a hunting animal?
- If you are looking for a guard animal, it is important to remember that they will protect you from intruders. They will bark and make sure no one gets too close to your home or family. Guard animals are more aggressive than hunting animals, so if you have small children, it is best to avoid this type of pet.
- A hunting animal can also be used as a guard animal because it will hunt for food when hungry. Hunting animals are typically larger than other types of pets like cats or dogs because they need to be able to carry their prey back home with them after catching it in the wilds outside your home.
- You should also keep in mind that most hunting animals (such as ferrets or parrots) are not considered pets at all by law while some guard dogs (like chihuahuas) do not qualify as legal service dogs either because they cannot perform tasks such as opening doors or turning lights on/off due to their small size
Can the animal live comfortably in your home?
A key question to ask yourself is whether or not the animal you’re considering would be comfortable in your home. Does it need to be kept in a large space, like a farm or ranch? Or can it live comfortably in a small apartment? If so, do you feel like you have enough room for this pet, and are there adequate resources available for caring for it (such as open fields or play areas)?
Another consideration is the level of security provided by your house. Some animals are more likely than others to get out and explore beyond the boundaries of their enclosures–and those that do tend to be curious about human spaces as well. Your home must provide safe havens where pets can retreat from threats like larger predators, predators with human intelligence (like burglars), dangerous weather conditions and other hazards that exist outside.
If these issues prove too formidable for adoption at this time, consider volunteering at an animal shelter–many organizations rely on volunteers during adopt-a-thons held before major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas! You’ll gain experience helping care for animals while also meeting potential adoptees who might bring just what you’re looking for into your life.
Where will the pet stay when you’re not at home?
When you’re considering an animal as a potential pet, think about where the animal will be when you are not home. For example, if you have a cat and plan on having it sleep with you at night in the bedroom, then make sure that there is something your pet can do while it’s alone in the house (like play or eat) so that he or she is not bored when they are home by themselves. If this is something that concerns you, look into getting a cat carrier to keep by your bedside so that when it is time for naps and nights out with friends, your feline friend will have somewhere comfortable to sleep while they’re away from home too!
Will your pet be allowed outside, on furniture or in bed?
- Will your pet be allowed outside, on furniture or in bed?
- Some pets can not be left outside because they will escape if they see an opportunity to do so. These types of pets may live indoors all their lives, or they may go out into a fenced yard on a leash during supervised time.
- Some animals are too small to jump onto furniture and don’t need to be allowed up there, but some have a tendency to get up there anyway! If you want your animal’s presence in the house limited completely (or just until he learns how to behave), then this is something to consider before buying a new puppy.
- Some animals cannot sleep with you because they shed hair everywhere and could potentially cause allergies for others around them—especially if you already have allergies yourself! Also keep in mind that certain breeds are known for being snuggly lapdogs who love nothing more than curling up next you while watching TV together at night (like Pugs).
It is important to find the right match to make sure both you and your pet are happy.
It is important to find the right match to make sure both you and your pet are happy. If you feel like this is not a good fit, then it probably isn’t. You should be able to tell if the pet likes being in the home environment, or if it feels out of place. If they do not seem comfortable at all, then they might not be happy with their new home. Make sure your new pet will have everything they need in terms of food, water and exercise space as well as plenty of attention from you when needed!
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what type of pet is right for your lifestyle. If you are still unsure about which breed of animal to adopt, then talk with other people who have adopted pets before and ask them what they recommend! You can also look at websites such as Petfinder.com or Adopt-A-Pet.com where many different animals are listed by their needs and personalities so that it’s easier to find one that fits your situation perfectly!