How much time can you realistically devote to caring for a pet?
More than feeding, this can involve grooming, training, and spending quality time with the animal. Quality time can mean playing, going for walks, or just hanging out on the couch- the keyword here is TIME. Do you work long hours or travel a lot? Dogs in particular need lots of attention, and most don’t do well if left alone for long stretches of time.

Are you willing to make a lifelong commitment?
This is really important. Dogs and cats can live 10-15 years or more. It’s heartbreaking to see older animals put up for adoption or worse, turned over to a shelter, because the owner’s situation changed and they could no longer care for their pet. It can be very difficult to find a loving home for an older animal……sometimes impossible. The pet you bring home depends on you for their very life, for the rest of their life!

Do you have the financial resources to properly care for the pet?
Pet needs involve much more than just food and shelter. Dogs and cats, and many other types of pets require routine grooming and veterinary care to keep them healthy throughout their lives. Just like people, they have accidents and get sick. As an owner, you’re responsible for giving the animal the care it needs.

Those in Favor…
Are all involved parties in agreement about this? It’s never a good idea to get a pet as a surprise gift for someone else- don’t do it! Along the same lines, don’t bring a pet home on an impulse. Stop, take a breath and give yourself distance and time to reflect- is this the right thing to do? Is it in everyone’s best interests (including the animals)?

What about the future?
Where do you expect to be 5 years down the road……….. 10? Is marriage and children still on the horizon? Or do you have kids who will be off to college before you know it leaving a senior dog or cat behind? Owning a pet is for life, even when your life changes.

I’ve owned dogs and cats my whole life- my life is so much richer as a result and I can’t imagine being without them. From volunteering with animal rescue groups, I’ve seen firsthand how getting the right pet at the right time can make all the difference between delight and disaster. Pets have so much to give us, its only right that we give back in return, and responsible pet ownership is the cornerstone of that relationship.