Caring for a companion animal goes far beyond providing food, water and shelter. It takes research and careful planning to bring the right pet into your home, and to make sure your lifestyle is the right one for your pet. Answering the following questions will go a long way to helping you get there.
 Information provided by QPet Supplies - www.qpetsupplies.com



1. Why do I want a pet?
Are you looking for the loyal and steady companionship that an animal can offer? Are you hoping to fill the empty place left after a pet has passed? Or maybe you want a companion for your child. Knowing why you’re preparing to bring a pet home will help you to determine the species and breed that will fit the purpose you want one in the first place.

2. Am I ready to make a long-term commitment?
When adopting, you are making a commitment to care for an animal for the rest of its life—that could mean 10 to 15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for cats. As you go through lifestyle changes such as moves, the birth of children and new jobs, your animal will remain a permanent part of your life. If circumstances change, will you still be able to care for your pet?

3. Do I know what kind of pet is right for me or my child?
Your personality and lifestyle, along with challenges such as space restrictions and amount of time spent at home, should be considered to determine what pet is right for your household. Research different breeds and ask shelter staffers what animals they recommend—they're experts at making perfect matches!

4. Can I afford to care for your pet’s health and safety?
Owning a dog or cat will cost a lot more than the initial adoption fee. Food, veterinary care, spaying or neutering and proper identification—that means a collar with tags and a more permanent form of ID such as micro-chipping can add up. Check out the pet ownership costs chart to determine what you can expect to pay annually for your pet.

PET CARE COSTS
How much is that doggie (or kitty, rabbit, rat, goldfish or guinea pig…) in the shelter window? In addition to the initial cost of adoption, there’s a whole litany of expenses that the average pet owner will incur within a year. To make it easier for you to plan for your new arrival, we’ve prepared a financial breakdown of the annual costs of caring for a variety of species.

Annual Costs:       Sm Dog    Med Dog    Lg Dog     Cat          Rabbit                                                 

First year total      $1,314      $1,580        $1,843     $1,035    $1,055  
             
The following items were considered in the above totals:                         
    1    Premium brand dry kibble                
      
    2    Exam, vaccinations, heartworm preventative & topical flea/tick preventative       

    3    Scoopable litter for cats, scooped daily; hardwood shavings or recycled paper products for rabbits, guinea pigs and small mammals, changed at least weekly   

    4    Insurance coverage varies: some policies cover spay/neuter, vaccinations and heartworm medication.
The annual deductible will also vary depending on the policy.       

    5    Deworming, basic blood tests & microchip                     

    6. Will I be able to spend quality time together? 
Dogs thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day, and pooches that are constantly left alone can develop behavioral problems. Cats are healthiest and happiest indoors and love to be treated to energetic play sessions with their human families. If your work demands that you travel often, or if you’re out of the house most days and evenings, this may not be the right time to adopt a pet.

    7. Am I prepared to deal with an animal’s health challenges?
Fleas, allergies and sudden medical issues are just a few of the health-related problems that potential pet owners may face. Can you care for your pet if he gets sick?

    8. Am I willing to train myself and my animal companion?
Lack of training is one of the most common reasons that adopters return pets to shelters—are you willing to solve behavior problems? Basic training helps dogs and their owners communicate better, strengthening the relationship overall. And taking the time to understand why your cat does what she does, especially when it involves her litter box and scratching habits, will help you avoid potential problems.

    9. Am I prepared to pet-proof my home?
Whether it’s tightly sealing your garbage cans or paying attention to dangerous decorations during the holidays, you’ll need to make your home safe before adopting. That includes keeping toxic foods, pet-unfriendly plants and dangerous household items out of paw’s reach.

  10. Is my living space adequate for an animal companion?
Be sure to choose an animal that will thrive in your home. If you’re attracted to energetic large-breed dogs, but live in a small apartment, will your pooch have enough room? If you live on a noisy street, will it disturb your cat? Also consider that many landlords don't allow pets or place restrictions on having them. Be sure to check out your “house rules” before adopting.

   11. Is my family ready for a pet?
If your kids are still toddlers, you might consider waiting a few years before adopting, as pet ownership ideally is a team effort. Children who are mature enough can happily share pet-care duties. You may also have another pet at home who’s not yet—or may never be—ready to share his kingdom with another animal.

 Information provided by QPet Supplies - www.qpetsupplies.com