Things to Consider Before Adopting a Pet:

Adopting a pet, while rewarding, is a big decision. These are living beings (or furry people, as some like to refer) that require lots of time, money and a 10-15 year commitment. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you are willing and able to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility and love. So, before you decide to bring a four-legged friend into your life, please take a moment to think about these questions:

Can you make the commitment?
Why do you want to get a pet? Ask yourself this question before you take the big step. Remember, it’s a 10-20 year commitment, and pets aren’t easily disposable like toys. For example, a few years ago, everyone wanted Chihuahuas, thanks to the funny Taco Bell ads. They are adorable, but high strung and not for everyone. Now there are Chihuahas in shelters everywhere.

Are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime?
When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime. Otherwise, it may end up spending its days in a shelter, where it will only have a 40% chance of finding a new home and a 60% chance of being euthanized.

Do you have time for a pet?
No matter how busy or tired you are, your furry companions need lots of attention. Plus, they require food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners did not realize how much time it took to properly care for them. You need to be able to devote 2-4 hours a day for the proper care of your pet.

Can you afford a pet?
Having a pet can take lots of money. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, regular & unexpected veterinary care, grooming, food and nutritional products, toys, kitty litter and other expenses add up quickly – usually to a $1,000+ a year.

Are you prepared to deal with the inconveniences that might arise?
Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture and accidents from animals that are not yet housebroken are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.

Do you rent or own? How big is your home?
Many rental communities do not allow pets and/or have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home, as it could be cause for eviction or a rent increase or a pet-eviction. Ultimately, it may negatively impact your landlord-tenant relationship and cost you your damage deposit or home in the process. Most shelters will ask to see a copy of your lease, to ensure that you are legally able to have a pet in your home. This is to reduce the chances of your returning the pet to the shelter because your landlord objected to it.

Choose an animal that will be comfortable in your surroundings.
For example, adopting a large or energetic dog to share your studio apartment, is not necessarily a humane idea, as it will not have enough space to move around in and needs a certain amount of exercise each day to remain healthy and happy.

Is the timing right to adopt a pet?
If you are a student, work long hours or travel frequently, you might want to wait until your life is more settled before adopting a furry friend. Again, you want to be able to devote at least 2-4 hours per day to the care of your pet. If you work during the day, who will exercise your dog in the middle of the afternoon? If you like to go out after the work during the week, will there be someone who can take your dog outside to relieve itself? Otherwise, it may have accidents in your home.

If you have children, you might want to wait until they are at least six years old before adopting a pet. In addition to the financial and time commitment every pet owner faces, your children need to be mature enough to be responsible pet caretakers.

Do you know who will care for your pet while you are away on vacation?
You will need either reliable friends and neighbors, or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service. Can your friends, neighbors and pet-sitters give your pet the amount of attention it needs? Can you afford this type of service?
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