Introduction

You’ve decided that you want to adopt a new pet, but where do you start? There are so many options out there! If you aren’t sure how to choose the perfect pet for your home, here are some tips:

Do you need a dog or cat?

As a general rule, cats are more independent and less needy than dogs. This makes them easier to care for, but it also means they don’t provide the same level of companionship. Cats may be better suited to single people or people who work long hours, since they’re less likely to miss you when you’re gone.

On the other hand, dogs are known for being loyal and loving—and this makes them an excellent choice for families with children. If you have kids at home who need some supervision while you’re away at work all day (or just want someone there when they come home from school), then a dog is probably the best bet.

What size pet do you want?

The size of your pet depends on your home and lifestyle. Smaller pets are easier to care for, but they may not be able to live outside in an area that’s too hot or cold. Larger pets need more space, but if you have a big yard or live in an apartment with a balcony or patio, then we recommend considering one of these larger animals as well.

What time do you have available to spend with your new pet every day? You should also consider how much exercise each animal needs and make sure that it will fit into your daily routine before making any final decisions!

Are there any age requirements?

When you take home a new pet, you are taking on a responsibility. Pets need to be cared for in order to thrive in your home. They need food, water, grooming, training and socialization. They also require vet care and regular walks outside in order to stay healthy and happy!

Are there any breed restrictions on where you live?

If you’re looking to buy or adopt a dog, you might want to check with your local government before making a final decision. Some breeds are banned in certain areas, while others are restricted. Certain cities may even have more strict rules than the state. This video from the ASPCA explains these regulations and how they were enacted:

The following list includes some of the most commonly restricted breeds:

• Alaskan malamute
• American Staffordshire terrier (AmStaff)
• Australian cattle dog (Blue heeler)
• Bullmastiff

The following list includes some of the most commonly allowed breeds:

Do you have time to care for a pet?

It’s important to consider your schedule before adopting a pet. Does your work or school schedule require you to travel often? Do you like to stay out at night, or do you prefer a more relaxed pace? Are there any other factors that could impact how much time you have available for a new member of the family?

Your choice of pet will depend on the amount of time and energy that caring for one requires. For example, dogs are energetic animals who need plenty of exercise, making them a great choice for families with kids but not so much for people who don’t want their schedules disrupted by taking care of another creature or have special needs themselves (elderly people may not be able to handle the physical demands that come with owning an active dog).

How much can you spend on pet food and supplies?

How much you can spend on pet food and supplies will depend largely on your pet’s size and diet. For example, a small dog with a high-quality diet may only eat $10 worth of food per month compared to a large dog that eats more than three times as much at $35 per month.

What about other supplies like toys, treats and grooming products? This can vary depending on your personal preferences but if we take all of these together they add up to an average of $100 per year per pet!

Can anything in your home be toxic to pets?

It’s important to be aware of what cleaning products you have around the house, as some can be harmful to your pet. Many plants are toxic to pets as well, especially if they’re left in certain places (like on the floor or near food and water bowls). If you leave anything out that could potentially be toxic, your pet may eat it and become sick.

Finally, chocolate can be very dangerous for dogs because it contains caffeine and sugar that are poisonous when ingested by dogs. Grapes are also known for causing kidney failure in dogs when eaten in large quantities; however, smaller amounts should not cause any problems unless your dog has a preexisting medical condition.

Are there any local zoning rules that restrict the number of pets you can have in your home?

Whether you are hoping to get a dog, cat, or other type of pet, it is important to remember that there may be zoning rules in your area that restrict the number of animals you can have in your home at any given time. If you are thinking about adopting more than one animal at once, make sure that they will be compatible with each other and won’t fight when they meet!

If you happen to reside in an area where there are no zoning laws governing the number of pets allowed in a house at one time (or if no one has ever checked), then by all means adopt as many pets as humanly possible! Just make sure there’s enough space for them all and keep track of their unique needs so everyone stays happy and healthy.

Will your landlord allow pets?

You will want to check with your landlord before you get a pet. If they allow pets, make sure you understand their rules and regulations. Most landlords do not allow certain types of animals like snakes or ferrets, so make sure your pet is allowed before bringing it home! If your landlord does not allow pets, you may have to move in order for them to be allowed. Also, if you are renting an apartment or condo building and there is no mention of any kind about having animals around (like in the lease), then it’s likely that these animals aren’t allowed either!

Are there any special considerations for your apartment, including stairs, lack of outdoor space, or other special features?

• Are there any special considerations for your apartment, including stairs, lack of outdoor space, or other special features?
• If your apartment has stairs, are they pet-safe? For example, if the pet you want to adopt is a small dog and the steps are made of wood, it might be best to pick another apartment. If you want an indoor cat and there aren’t any windows in the room where you plan on keeping him/her (and no way for them to escape), that might not work either.
• Is there adequate outdoor space for a pet who needs exercise? You should consider whether or not this is necessary before adopting one so that it doesn’t become an issue later on down the road. If you don’t have adequate outdoor space then consider getting one from somewhere else who would love having someone take care of them!

Is there a veterinarian near your home?

You have to make sure your vet is licensed and has a good reputation. You should check the pet’s health record, and talk to the veterinarian about the pet’s diet, vaccinations, and other medical needs. If you travel frequently or live in an area with poor public transportation, make sure that there is a veterinarian who can be reached quickly in case of an emergency.

If you need more than one veterinarian to care for your pets while they’re young (or if they’re older), it would be wise to coordinate with other families that have adopted pets from shelters so that there are veterinarians nearby who are familiar with animals from those shelters.

There are many things to consider when choosing a pet.

Choosing a pet can be an amazing experience. It’s a time to get excited about the new addition to your family, and you’ll have someone who will always love you unconditionally back. But before you run out and start looking at adorable puppies on Instagram, there are plenty of things that need to be considered when choosing the right kind of animal for you.

• Do I have enough time to care for a pet?
• Will my landlord let me keep this animal in my apartment?
• Will anything in my home be toxic if it gets into it?

Conclusion

We hope this post has helped you think about some of the things to consider when choosing a pet. Remember that every situation is different, so there is no single right answer for everyone. The most important thing is to listen to your heart and find what works best for you and your family!