7 Tips to Adopting the Right Pet For You

Bringing a pet into your home, and your life, is a very big decision. At least, it should be! Did you know that almost four million animals are killed in shelters every year in the United States?

There are all kinds of reasons why animals end up in shelters, and one of them is adopting/buying a pet on impulse.

You walk by the pet shop window and can't resist the cutest faces. You go to your local shelter "just to look". Before you know it, you and your new friend are heading to the pet supply store to stock up. That's really the fun part isn't it?

If you really want to share your life with a pet, then the kindest thing you can do for yourself, and your new furry friend, is to think long and hard before you act.

There are so many things to consider, here are some tips to help you.

Do you live alone or do you share your home with others? This matters because if it's only you, all the responsibility will be on your shoulders. Having said that, the same may be true no matter how many people you live with!
Make sure that everyone who will be living with this new pet is on board. Even if you'll assume all the responsibilities, life will become very difficult, very fast, if your family/roommates are unhappy about it.
Do you have the time to care for a pet? No matter what you get, from the smallest hamster to the largest dog, they all need a lot of care, and time spent with them.
Can you afford it? There is quite a bit of initial expense involved in adopting your pet and getting the necessary supplies, but it doesn't end there. No matter how young or how healthy your new pet is, things always happen. You must be prepared for unexpected vet visits, illnesses and medication. Pet sitters and dog walkers may be part of the picture as well.
Research the different kinds of animals you could get as pets. Perhaps you will be interested in one you have never considered.
Make sure that you get the right type of pet for your lifestyle. If you work 14 hour days and are off with friends every weekend, perhaps now is not the right time to bring an animal into your life.
There are other ways to enjoy the company of animals if you are unable to bring one into your home at this time. Why not volunteer at a sanctuary or animal shelter? Most are in desperate need of help. You'll get to hang out with the animals and help and they'll benefit by getting much needed attention. It's a win win situation.

Please remember that this is a lifetime commitment, so whatever you decide, make sure you are doing the right thing for yourself and your new family member.

I have been involved in animal welfare/rescue for about 12 years. I owned a dog walking and pet sitting business in Canada, before joining a farm animal welfare organisation in the UK. I worked in the education department, where I helped recruit volunteer speakers to give talks in schools throughout the country, and attended education conferences to promote our resources. As a campaigns coordinator I oordinated and managed campaign plans including timelines and budgets, I was involved in EU campaign and coalition work, and liaised with member offices and groups across Europe to organise lobbying and public awareness events. I live in the U.S. where I volunteer at an animal shelter and write articles about pet rescue and animal welfare on examiner.com.

http://www.examiner.com/pet-rescue-in-fort-lauderdale/hindy-pearson
http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-fort-lauderdale/hindy-pearson