What type of pet are you looking for? Cats tend to be more independent than dogs, but both require more of a relationship commitment from their owners. Pocket pets (rats, mice, hamsters, etc.) can make fun little companions, but are usually short lived. You will find that every animal will have its own set of needs for daily care, nutrition, housing, and grooming.
Pets have expenses associated with them. Veterinary check-ups, preventive care (vaccines, etc.), spay/neuter, and other associated medical costs can become expensive. Food, grooming, boarding, and licensing costs can add up quickly
Consider your lifestyle in comparison to the needs of the pet. Some dogs demand their twice daily runs, while others prefer to snooze on the couch. How much time will this pet remain alone at home? A sedentary cat may not mind being alone for a day or two.
While selecting the right pet for you, keep in mind the age of the pet you wish to adopt. Do you have the time and patience to housetrain a puppy? Don’t forget, some puppies may be more difficult to train than others. Kittens tend to be highly active and really like to climb and play. Adult animals, on the other hand, may come with unknown behavioral issues not immediately noticeable.
Pets have different life spans which vary from species to species. A mouse only lives about one year. Different dog breeds have different life expectancies; generally the larger the breed the shorter the expected lifespan.
Ask us, your friends, or any reputable pet resource to help guide you find a good veterinarian.
When you are ready to meet your prospective companion, spend time with him or her. This may be the most important research you do. Handle the animal, watch the interactions with you, with other family members or friends and, if possible, with other animals. Is this the personality you wish to live with?
Perform a very basic health check on the premises. Monitor for any coughing or sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, diarrhea or vomiting, limping, poor coat, inactivity, lack of appetite or any other obvious abnormality. If you have any questions regarding the pet’s health, request for an opportunity to have your veterinarian examine the animal before you commit.
Always thoroughly read and understand the purchase or adoption contract before you sign. If you are uncomfortable with the contract ask to renegotiate. Though some have had some surprising and, perhaps unreasonable stipulations, these papers are legal documents.
Once you have your special animal companion, be sure to have your veterinarian perform a thorough physical examination and discuss with you preventive care, nutrition, and housing and any other special needs your new pet may have.