7 Things to Consider Before Adopting Your New Pet

Making the decision to adopt a dog or cat is a big step, due to the various number of things that sway people into deciding what is right for them. Each person has their own set of criteria that they look for in a pet, beyond the obvious unconditional love and companionship. Every animal is different in their own special way, whether that is their personality, their looks, their brain, or just how devoted they are to their owners. Here are seven things that you should consider before picking out your next friend:

1. Gender
To some people, the gender of their pet makes no difference. But males and females can have different personalities, as well as a whole different set of medical issues that come with their sex. Some people will only have one gender for all their animals, yet some will have a mix. This may not be a very important thing for you to think about before adopting your pet, but it might have a little effect on your decision.

2. Age
Young puppies and kittens are a ball of energy and require almost constant attention. They are curious about the world and can get into many things, which can be harmful to them if it is the wrong thing. Without a watchful eye, they can really hurt themselves or ingest something fatal. Then there is always that dreaded housebreaking/litter box training period.

Older animals can be excellent companions for people who want a dog or cat who is more calm and laid back. Usually around the age of two or three, a pet has settled into their personality and you will be more able to pinpoint how they will act. Some dogs and cats will always have that little wild streak, but most will settle down after a few years. But some older animals can have medical issues crop up out of nowhere, which might be something else to think about.

3. Size
Pets come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Dogs can run the gammot of weighing anywhere between two pounds and 250 pounds. Cats usually weigh in the area of eight to twenty pounds, although some can be heavier. It is up to you to decide how large of a pet you would like. You can do research on breeds on the internet, ask your veterinarian or anyone in the animal business. They could help you find the size of dog or cat you are looking for.

4. Where You Live
Most large dogs who are in the hunting or sporting groups need room to exercise. This requires fenced in yards or the owner's dedication to dog parks or runs. Even small dogs need the space to dig, play fetch, and run around. Cats need space to run as well, but they can do well in apartments and small houses. They really just need something to climb and sun to lay in. Some apartments and cities have a requirement on the size of dog a person can own. It would be wise to ask your local officials or apartment managers if there is any size requirement.

5. Time Commitment
All pets also need at least one hour of human interaction a day, if not more, so they can be properly socialized. This requires work, both to socialize your animal to people and also to other pets. If you work a lot, go to school full-time, or do both, it might be in your best interest to have a pet that requires minimum amount of time commitment. Cats do rather well alone due to their independence, while dogs might not do so well. Some can learn to be more independent, but especially during their initial years, they need constant care and attention. It will really help get them housebroken, trained, and socialized earlier in their lives.

6. Activity Level
Although all pets have energy, some have much more than others. Some of this is related to age, but if could also be a component of their breed. Various breeds are naturally high strung while others are laid back. It is up to you to determine your lifestyle and what activity level matches you.

7. Grooming Costs
Depending on the type of hair coat your pet has - long, short, fine, thick, coarse, double coat, etc. - the cost of grooming will differ. Dogs and cats will long hair that can mat up easily need to be brushed daily, as well as taken to the groomer every four to six weeks for a trim up or hair cut, as well as a bath. Other pets with shorter hair may not be groomed as often, but they do need to bathed. In order to keep your pet's hair and skin in the best condition, it is wise to utilize a dog groomer efficiently. You can also bathe your animal yourself, but when it comes to hair cuts or trim ups, your groomer is the best bet. Prices vary depending the breed and hair coat.

After deciding whether you want a dog or a cat, and what breed you would like to look for, head down or call your local shelter or Humane Society. They can help you find the perfect pet for you. If you are looking for a specific breed or age, you might want to check out breeders in your area or rescue groups. If you decide to pick a breeder, do research on them to make sure they are doing everything ethically. Some provide a guarantee on such things such as knees, eyes, etc. because of the breed medical issues, so ask for that as well as a look at the parents, and if available, the grandparents.

Overall, have fun finding your new family member!