Tuesday Tip: How to Pick the Right Pet

Art isn’t a chill on the patio at your local brunch spot dog – he’s a spend Saturday playing Frisbee in the backyard kind of dog!

Selecting the right type of pet for your family can be a daunting feat. There are a number of things to consider when searching for a new pet and sometimes it is hard to know where to start. Here are a few tips for getting started on your search for the perfect companion.

Time

What are the work and/or school schedules of the members of your household? Do you work from home or spend long hours at the office? All pets, especially when they first join your family, need your time and attention. If you have a busier schedule, you might not want to commit to a dog until you have the time to walk them several times a day, play with them and work on basic training. A cat will generally be less demanding of your time than a dog, but they still need interactive play and physical affection on a daily basis. Make sure that you have an adequate amount of time in your schedule to feed, exercise, play with, groom and otherwise care for the animal you choose.

Do you spend all your free time working in your garden? Look for an independent and curious dog like Molly that enjoys playing with toys or chasing bugs while you tend to your tulips.

Space

How will you have to adjust the layout of your home to accommodate a pet? Where will they sleep, play or eat? The smaller the pet, the less space they will need to take up. Large dogs don’t necessarily need a backyard, but will do best with a first-floor access or an elevator. Dogs get injured and tired – consider your ability to carry your pet up stairs if you live in an apartment. If you rent, ensure that your landlord accepts pets in the home before adopting. Be prepared to spend a lot of time cleaning up fur from every surface of your home.

Need a friendly ear to listen to your problems at the end of the day? Chatty kitty Bandit loves talking!

Cost

Pets can be expensive! From food and yearly vaccinations to toys and unexpected medical issues, the bills can certainly add up. It’s important to consider where a pet fits into your budget prior to adopting. Pet health insurance can help ease the burden of medical bills down the road, so the monthly cost can be worth it in the long run. Make sure to check how adding a pet to your home will affect your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance. Different species like amphibians, reptiles or bunnies all have specific needs for their environment and care that may be costlier than those of a cat or dog.

Care

Is anyone in your family allergic to animals? Who will be responsible for the care of the pet?  We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic pet. If the wellbeing of someone in your home will suffer with the introduction of a pet, consider opting for a different species or volunteering at an animal shelter instead. Splitting up pet-related chores and responsibilities ahead of time will help prevent future disagreements. You also can’t put walks or litterbox cleaning on pause if you’re having a stressful or busy day. Just like children, pets are a responsibility that require daily care that can’t be put off for later. Make sure there is at least one adult in the household that is emotionally, physically and mentally willing and able to provide consistent and adequate care for the pet.

Love playing with pets but not sure if you’re up for multiple walks a day? A playful kitty like Dalton might be a good choice!

Lifestyle

What do you imagine doing with your pet? Whether you’re just looking for a cuddle buddy to keep you company on the couch or join you on weekend hiking adventures, it’s important to think about what pet will be right for which activities. An English Bulldog won’t be interested or capable of joining you on your jogs, but a Lab or pitbull mix might be thrilled to be included in your exercise regimen. If you hate going outside when there’s bad weather or mobility issues make several walks a day difficult, consider opting for a cat instead of a dog.

Pets can add so much joy to your life, but it is important to consider what type of pet will best fit your schedule, home, budget, ability and lifestyle. Think about all of these things before you start your pet search and the process will be much smoother and have a much greater chance of success. This summer, all dogs and cats six (6) months and older at our Dallas and Ellis locations and in foster care are $25 to adopt. You can see all of our adoptable pets at spca.org/adopt.