How to Choose The Right Pet For Your Family

Adding a pet to your family can be one of the most fulfilling decisions you’ll ever make — and one of the biggest. Whether you’re acquiring a pet for the first time, bringing an additional animal into your home, or becoming a pet parent again after losing a dog or cat, being prepared and knowledgeable can make the experience fully satisfying for you — and your new furry friend.

What’s Your Type?

Are you a dog person or a cat person? Some people simply prefer one species over the other. For others, the choice is based on practical considerations.

Cats

Generally speaking, cats are less work. Training frequently consists of showing kitty where the litter box is. Cats don’t need to be walked, and only long-hair cats sometimes need to be taken to the groomer. They tend to be more independent, so they may fare better if you need to leave your pet alone all day.

Dogs

Dogs are “higher maintenance” than cats. They need more outdoor exercise, and as social creatures, they’ll want a considerable amount of attention from people or other dogs. They must be trained, which calls for patience and consistency, but dogs have a desire to please. Many dog breeds need grooming, and most need an occasional bath, nail clipping and ear cleaning.

Whether you’re adding a dog or a cat to your household, if you’re introducing a new pet to one you already have, don’t take a “sink or swim” approach. Keep the animals in separate rooms. Let them hear each other, take in each other’s scent, and be aware of each other. Be patient. Gradually, you’ll be able to expose them to each other for longer and longer periods of time. Be sure to provide plenty of supervision and praise for good behavior.

Big Dog, Big Space? Size isn't everything.

Don’t assume a big dog will need a big space, or a small dog will be happy in a small space. Greyhounds are couch potatoes. Jack Russell terriers are bundles of energy. Do your homework — you may be surprised.

Different Breeds Have Different Needs

While every animal is an individual, each breed is known for certain characteristics. Abyssinian cats, for example, tend to be energetic and affectionate while American Shorthairs are quiet and even-tempered. The little West Highland terrier has energy to burn while a Pug doesn’t need a lot of exercise. If you tend to be mo re sedentary, you may not be happy with a highly spirited dog like the Jack Russell. Unlike cats, noise can be an issue with dogs, so if you (or your neighbors) find barking bothersome, you should stay away from breeds that are more prone to it.

If you don’t enjoy the training process, you may prefer an intelligent and easy-to-train breed like the Poodle. If you’ll be bringing your new pet into a household with young children, make sure to choose a breed or breed combination that is known for being even tempered and tolerant, like a Golden retriever or schnauzer — and train your children in the proper treatment of and respect for their furry siblings.

If you are considering a mixed breed pet, an experienced shelter volunteer, a vet, or research on your own may help you determine your pet’s genetic background — and the breed specific personality traits you may expect. There’s no guarantee of what kind of behavior you’ll wind up with, however.

You’ll find mostly mixed breed cats in shelters, but a quarter of all dogs in shelters are purebreds. There are also breed specific rescue organizations for both dogs and cats.

Are You Ready For a New Baby?

Puppies and kittens are irresistibly adorable, but they can be more challenging than an adult dog or cat. Puppies must be housetrained and may keep you awake at night. Young pets can chew through everything from slippers to furniture when they’re teething. Keeping up with mischievous youngsters can tire you out.

The advantages are numerous, of course. A younger pet will be with you longer and bond with you earlier. You will know more about your pet’s behavioral and medical history. But if you’re tempted to bring home that adorable ball of fur because he or she is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, wait until you know what’s involved in caring for a pet who will be dependent on you for the next 10 to 20 years. And be prepared for what it will cost.

How Much is That Doggy in the Window?

Americans spend over $45 billion dollars annually on pet care. Before you bring home a furry addition to the family, consider whether you have enough money to pay for the expenses your pet will incur. The cost for large breed dog for the first year can be as much as $1,800 per year. Here’s a list of what that might include:

If you travel, the costs of pet care go up — unless you have a friend who will take care of your pet while you’re away. If your cat is self-sufficient, you can have someone stop in once a day to provide food, fresh water, a little play and clean litter. A dog will require a dog walker to visit several times a day at a cost of approximately $10 to $20 per visit, or an overnight pet sitter at a cost of anywhere from $40 to $80 per night.

Despite the costs, the responsibility, and even the damage to furnishings, pets are a wonderful, enriching part of any household, as long as you know what you’re getting into. Shelters are filled with dogs and cats given up by people who were unprepared for the job of pet parent. Knowing what to expect before you bring your pet home will help to ensure a happy adjustment for all.