Choosing a pet is a big decision.  Most animals live at least 6 years which means that for at minimum, you have 6 years worth of food, medical assistance and shelter to provide.  Each of my cats lived 15 years plus..  My dog lived 20 years.  So deciding to adopt a pet is no small issue.  This guide will provide 7 questions to ask yourself  that will help determine whether pet ownership is the right choice and if so, what type of pet might be best.  

Why do I want a pet?

Do I want a pet for companionship, protection, novelty, breeding, or business?  Do I want a running buddy or a "sit in the sun" buddy?  All of this is important to determining what type of pet might be best.  I have two Abyssinians cats.  I like cats, birds and reptiles more than dogs or small furry animals (like gerbils) so when my Siamese cat died, I decided to get cats again.  However, I chose Abyssinians because that breed of cat is known for its friendly, energetic, gentle kindness.  I didn't want a prima donna.  I didn't want a ghost.  I wanted a "sit in the sun" buddy.  That's why I chose that breed. 

What is my basic personality?

Am I usually happy, friendly, reclusive, quiet, prickly or jovial?  These personality traits impact what kind of animal we will want.  If we are generally even tempered and friendly, who wants a prickly Siamese or a shy, jumpy Dalmation roaming around the house.  Please don't misunderstand me Every pet has an individual personality too.  While breed does determine some common traits, every animal is different which is why each person in the family should be involved when a new pet is being chosen.  My first dog, Hawk was a German Shepard/Rottweiler mix.  He was dignified like my father, gentle like my mother and empathetic towards my brother and me.  He was a good choice for our family. 

What type of pet do I want?

Different pets have different needs and depending on the type of pet, can be more or less dependent on us.  Cats can be very independent, needing little more than food, litter cleaning and medical care.  Birds, on the other hand, need more care because they are living very often in an unnatural caged situation and need care to thrive in that circumstance.  The type of pet is definitely determined by what we like and are interested in but it should also depend on how much care we are willing to provide and how much time we have to give.  I may want a gila monster but am I ready for the amount of care he needs?

How will I and my pet share my home?

This seems a weird question but when a pet moves in, he or she has a way of existing in any space that is unique to that pet's breed, type and individual personality.  Depending on what type of animal have been chosen, the animal may want to build a fortress out of your clothes or old newspapers and live under it in the middle of your basement floor or follow you from room to room, howling to high heaven whenever you leave without him or her.  Especially with pack animals, like dogs and cats (yes!  cats are pack animals), they may sleep where you sleep, try to eat what you eat and invade your bathroom time.   Also, whatever type of pet one chooses, a certain, rather large area of home space will be dedicated to the pet's cages, tanks, bowls, litter boxes, toys, bedding, supplies, etc.  How much is too much and how much is just right?  Another question is what happens if there is a need to change residences?  Will you be able or willing to wait to find a place that accepts animals?  This is an important question because pet ownership is a commitment for the life of the pet.  Things happen certainly but 60% of the animals left in the pound or animal shelters are there because owners couldn't or didn't want to find a place that accepted pets.  Something to think about because pets are like children in that sense.  Once they are part of the family, they go where the family goes.

Do I have money set aside in my monthly budget for my pet's general care needs?

Any pet costs money and given the fact that most pets live at least 6 years, this means 6 years of providing supplies.  Is there room in your budget for this expense?  That may seem a harsh question but it's helpful in determining whether one would rather buy a new DVD player than a replacement litter box and 6 month supply of heart worm medication. What happens if the economy changes?  One loses his or her job?  These are things to consider. 

Am I prepared to cover my pet's future medical needs?

I was absolutely shocked by the cost of health care for my pets.  I spend $400 a year on average for dental care (Abyssinians have a propensity toward tooth decay and gingivitis).  I also buy inhalers and asthma medicine because one of my cats has asthma.  The other one has epilepsy.  My Siamese died of cancer and in her last year, I spent $600 on medical care.  Before she was diagnosed with cancer, she was diagnosed with diabetes and I spent $400 on insulin and needles.  Was I ready for any of these expenses?  No.  Pet emergency rooms want cash or credit cards and often keep the pet unless the bill is paid.  A new pet owner might consider whether there are ways to cover these expenses.  There are pet insurances which are reasonable for pets with no pre-existing conditions and will not go up in price if disease occurs as long as one is already insured.  There are also savings accounts for pet health care needs and businesses, like PetSmart, that allow the owner to pay for medical care in installments depending on the pet's medical history. 

Do I have time for a pet?

Now that I have a home business, I have less time than I ever did but I am in my home most of the time.  When I was traveling a great deal, I found that my pets were anxious and angry at me for being way.  Some pets are thrilled to see us go.  Others feel abandoned.  How much time does the pet being considered seem to need and how much time can we spend with our pets.  Do we have time every morning for a minimum of 6 years to clean bowls and litter boxes, fill food bowls and shake out mats?  Do we want to make time?