How to Choose a Pet for Your Home

You have just purchased and moved into your new home. The neighborhood is ideal, your home is spacious and beautifully decorated; and, it is now the perfect time in your life to finally get the pet you always wanted. Where do you start? Have you decided on a dog? A cat? A rabbit? A parakeet? It is important to take the following factors into consideration when choosing a pet for your home.

1. You will need to decide how much time you and/or your family has to spend with an animal. Will you need to come home at various times during the day to walk or feed your pet? Also, consideration should be taken when determining where the pet can be walked outside. Is your neighborhood "pet-friendly?"

2. Most families live on a budget. It is important to decide how much money can be allocated each month on food, supplies and visits to the veterinarian. This can be costly depending on the type of animal you choose for your home.

3. It should also be determined how much space is available in your home for an animal to live comfortably. For example, you are looking at a doberman pinscher. This particular breed is rather large. Is your home spacious enough to provide the dog ample room?

4. Do you want to adopt a pet from a shelter or go through a breeder or pet store? Consider adopting a pet from a local animal rescue shelter. The workers at shelters know the personalities of the animals they are caring for and can easily match the personality of the animal with you and your family. Another great thing about shelter animals is that most will have been vaccinated and spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter.

5. Consider if anyone in your household, or a frequent guest, has a pet allergy.

Choosing the perfect pet can be one of the most exciting days of your life.

Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, The Met Warner Center ( http://www.themetwc.com ) is an established community offering resort-style living, spacious residences, beautifully landscaped grounds, 26 acres of open space and a sought-after amenities package that residents absolutely love. The Met is comprised of 16 three-story buildings consisting of 1,279 units ranging in size from approximately 660 - 1,100 square feet. The community has something for everyone; offering a mix of one- and two- bedroom condominium residences, some with loft spaces.