Pet Question and Answer - Which Is The Best Pet For You? | Pets and Animals

By PaigeHarbold
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* Question: What is the best way to select the pet that is best for our family?

First and foremost, never purchase your new pet on impulse. Bringing a sweet little fur ball home just because it was adorable is rarely the best way to find a new pet.

Rather, you should discuss the matter of pets with your entire family. Don't forget to consider these points: daily feeding, personal attention, playtime, grooming, veterinary care and house training (if applicable). You may also want to ask each family member why they want a pet. Make sure your children understand that a pet is another family member, not just a toy, and the needs of the pet should be considered alongside other members of the family.

Take note of your lifestyle. Assuming, for example, you live in an apartment in the city or you need to work long hours. In this particular situation an easy-to-care-for-pet like a fish, bird or cat may be a good choice. If you do a lot of jogging or running, then a dog would be a good companion for you.

If you'd like to understand the needs of a potential pet, make a point of seeking out and talking to breeders and other pet owners. Find local pet shows and talk to the judges. Use Google to search for specific breeds to learn more about the pet you are thinking of purchasing. It goes without saying that you should consider the ages of your children when planning to add a new pet to your household. An often overlooked issue is to consider the life expectancy of the pet and how this will affect your children.

* Question: Is it best to get a pet at a pet store or an animal shelter?

Some people swear by animal shelters, while others prefer pet stores. Weighing the two, I feel it is recommended to look for a pet (especially dogs and cats) at a shelter. You'll find that animals at a shelter are well-cared for by the staff and having had much interaction with the staff, the animals are well-adapted to people. The shelter's staff can tell you quite a bit about the animals to help you find the pet that will be well-suited to you and your family. The staff can tell you which cat likes to curl up on your lap, which dog enjoys long walks and which animal will be good with children. In addition, animals from a shelter have already been checked and have received all of their needed immunizations and have already been neutered or spayed.

If you plan on getting a pet from a pet store, be sure to get a briefing from the store owner regarding that animal's behavior, especially with dogs, cats and other animals having a good amount of interactions with people.

* Question: What is the best way to decide which dog is best for me?

You should follow basic steps in choosing the right type of dog for you:

- Spend time reading pet guides to learn about a specific dog breed's temperament and background. Use Google to search the internet for more information about the more people-friendly types of dogs.

- Find a vet to discuss details about the characteristics of the breed you are looking for. Ask questions to understand more about the dog's breed.

- If you decide to purchase your puppy from the pet store, be sure to ask for the dog's status -- for example, the dog's history, physical or behavioral problems as well as anomalies of the breed. If you do not want to use a pet store, you can also find dogs and other animals at your county's animal shelter or through a private breeder.

- Lastly, ask for your friends' assessments and experiences with various types of dogs they have owned.

About the Author

As editor of Pet-HQ.com, Paige Harbold offers advice on everything from How to Adopt a Pet to Pet Dog Strollers.

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