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Family Pets: Picking the Right Pet for Your Family

Selecting the perfect pet for your family is important. Not only do you want a pet that will be safe for you and your children, but you also want to choose a pet that will be loving and entertaining. Similarly, if you already have pets, you want to be sure that the new pet will peacefully co-exist with your current pets.

Making the right choice ensures that you and your pet will have a blissful relationship. Before you head to your pet store or start circling ads in your newspaper, ask yourself the following questions to determine what pet will fit in best with your family.

1. How much time are you willing to commit to the care of an animal?
If you're rarely at home or have a very hectic lifestyle, then avoid getting dogs and other high-maintenance pets that require and deserve a great deal of attention. When you bring a pet into your home, you're making a commitment for the life of that animal. If you're not willing to care for a pet for eight to twenty years, then a cat or dog is not for you. Even some varieties of birds can live several decades. Make sure you know what you're getting into before you bring your pet home.

2. How much room do you have for a pet?
If you have a small home with limited space, avoid getting a large dog or caged animals that require a large space. For people who want pets but are constrained by available space, small caged animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters and birds make ideal pets. Each of these animals takes up less room and is easier to care for than dogs and cats. Reptiles and fish can require large amounts of room, depending on the types you select and their living environment. Think ahead before you purchase.

3. How much money are you willing to spend on your pet?
Care for dogs and cats can be costly. Besides food, you'll have to pay for regular vet visits, vaccinations and grooming. If you decide to get a cat or dog, it's important to be a responsible pet owner and get your dog or cat spayed or neutered.

Like cats and dogs, reptiles and fish can be expensive, depending on breed and living requirements that your pet needs. For example, iguanas require special, expensive lamps, heating branches and heat pads for beneath the tank to effectively regulate temperature.

In contrast, the care of rabbits, gerbils and most birds is relatively inexpensive. Most of the costs for these pets lies in the cages and food.

4. Is anyone in your home allergic to animals?
Many people suffer from allergic reactions to dander from animal fur. Bringing a new pet into the home with someone who is allergic is cruel to the animal and to the allergic person. Not only is the animal most likely to be given up when the reactions become unbearable, but the sufferer will be unable to provide the love and affection the animal needs.

Some breeds of dog are very hypoallergenic and may cause little or no negative reaction. Birds, fish and reptiles are also very good options for those allergic to dander. Conversely, cats, dogs and other small furry animals tend to cause allergic reactions.

After asking yourself these simple questions and evaluating your answers honestly, you should be able to pick your perfect pet.