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What Kind of Pet Should Our Family Get?

Written By Sabah Karimi

Pets are a wonderful addition to the family and home, but finding the perfect pet can be a challenge. Deciding whether you want to add a dog, cat or other pet to your family will take some time, and you'll need a plan to make your decision with everyone's best interests in mind. Your new pet will need to have a particular type of character and personality to fit in with family members, and your home will need to be able to accommodate your new pet - and its habits. Here are some simple ways to nail down what kind of pet will be most suitable for your family:

1. Consider safety for young kids. Young children can be at a risk from dogs who exhibit temperate behavior, so learning as much as possible about the breed of a dog or puppy, their general personality characteristics and how they have been socialized can help you make a better decision. If you're adopting from an animal shelter, learn as much as you can about how the dog was raised, whether they were fed properly and if they have received their shots from the vet. Dogs and cats that were well cared for in their early years are typically friendlier and less threatening to children in their later years.

2. Decide if you're willing to train a pet. If you choose a dog or cat, you may need to spend a considerable amount of time training it and 'breaking it in' for your home. Not all pet owners are ready for this challenge, so you'll need to decide if this is something you really do have time for, or if other family members are willing to take on the project. Training a dog or cat can take weeks and months of your time; can your schedule accommodate for it?

3. Consider small caged animals as a pet. If you have a busy family that may not have time to walk and train a pet every day, a small caged animal such as a bird, hamster or guinea pig might be a better option. Caged animals will require less upkeep and very little training; they're perfect for young children and relatively harmless. Caged animals may also cost less over the long-term, so if you're already on a tight budget, consider these animals to save on food and veterinary costs.

4. Learn about allergies. Some family members may be allergic to cats and dogs, so a trip to the doctor beforehand may be a good way to determine if bringing a dog home is a sensible decision. While allergies can be managed with injections and medication, very young children may have difficulty staying healthy.

5. List personality traits and characteristics you're looking for. Are you looking for a pet with lots of energy, or a more quiet and subdued pet instead? Puppies and young cats tend to have a lot of energy and are great for active famililes who have the energy to keep up with them! If you're looking for a more peaceful and quiet pet instead, a cat or a rabbit may be a better choice. Factoring in your family's lifestyle and general habits can make this decision much easier.

6. Consider how much time you have available for exercise. Most dogs will need daily exercise to stay healthy and some will even need one to two walks per day. Is your family willing to take on the responsibility for walks and exercise? Make sure you're all ready to accommodate your schedule for the daily needs of a pet.

Pets make excellent companions and will become a part of your family for a lifetime. Whether you're looking for a rabbit, budgie or a puppy, you can find the best pet for your family by keeping all of these important considerations in mind.

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