How to Choose the Perfect Family Pet

Is your family itchin’ to add a pet? If so, ya might be a wonderin’ what kind of pet is best for ya. ‘Round here, I don’t reckon my Lady did the choosin’! We all found our way to her and she rescued us, but that’s a whole ‘nother story! The best thing is to be prepared and look at all that will be needed. By bein’prepared and and thinkin’ things out ‘fore hand, it might save a whole heap of troubles! Take a look below at these 5 helpful tips from my Lady on how to choose the perfect family pet. After lookin’ at your family’s space, budget, and resources, you can best pick a pet that will be able to call your address its furever home. Take a look!

Five helpful tips on How to Choose the Perfect Family Pet

1. Hold a family meeting

This is a great time to discuss what everyone in your family has in mind. Since each member of your family is different, each one may have different ideas. Talk to each other about what pets you are considering. You want to be sure you are picking a pet that everyone is comfortable with and can love and enjoy.

2. Consider your environment

Think about what sort of space you live in before choosing a pet. Do you have a large yard? Is it fenced in? What about your home? Do you have a little space or a great deal of space? Are pets allowed at your living complex or apartment? Think about these things before choosing a pet. Depending on your space and yard, you may have to consider the size of your pet. Birds, hamsters, and fish may be ideal for smaller, unfenced spaces, while dogs and cats are better for larger, fenced in areas.

3. What is your budget?

Owning and caring for a pet can be very expensive. What is your budget looking like? Remember even after you adopt the animal, it will have food and pet medical care costs associated with it. If working on a tighter budget, a hamster or fish may be ideal for you. A larger budget is ideal for animals with larger appetites and more required care, such as dogs, cats, and rabbits.

4. Designate tasks

Before deciding on a pet, talk about what the tasks of each family member will be. You want to be sure you are choosing a pet that will be fed, cleaned, played with, and exercised. Talking about these tasks beforehand can help you choose a pet you all can be involved with.

5. Consider health needs

Is anyone in your family allergic to pet dander? If so, you may wish to adopt a fish or small hamster. Consider allergies or any other sensitivities family members may have before deciding.

Once you answer all of these questions for choosing the perfect family pet, you are prepared to make a decision. Choose a pet that works for your family budget, environment, and health needs. Once you decide, contact a local pet shelter or rescue agency. Many shelters have an abundance of dogs and cats to choose from and chances are they may have a selection of birds, mice, hamsters, snakes, and even fish to choose from!