How to Select the Right Pet for Your Family

by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁷⁵⁾ Blue Star

It has been decided; you want to add a pet to your family. Many people know what type of pet they want; some have no clue, but want to teach kids responsibility and share the love. If you are part of the undecided, here are some tips to help you decide what type of pet to adopt.

What is your family's energy level? If your family enjoys being outdoors running, walking, biking, and hiking and you want your pet to do those things with you, you are probably going to want to adopt a dog. When making your decision, remember there are dogs who, if not given exercise and stimulation in their days by you will find ways to vent energy on their own. For high energy families, consider these breeds: Siberian Husky, Weimaraner, German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd. Do a search on high energy dogs for a full list. Most dogs with much energy are considered working dogs and you may find you and your new pup like competing in dog sports. Yep, there are dog sports.

If your family is not so active consider cats or lower energy dogs. Some people find a cat is the perfect pet because it doesn't have to be let outside, loves to sit on a lap and can be left alone for longer periods of time. Remember, that cute little kitten will grow up to be a cat and has the ability to jump up onto tables and countertops - a deal breaker for some.

Allergies? Many people have allergies to pets but still choose to keep them anyway. Talk to you doctor if you find after you have bonded to your new family member, he makes you sneeze. There are over-the-counter meds you can take when the allergies flare. Having another family member groom your pet will help. Obviously, the severity of the allergies must be considered.

Pet clean up. Obviously, with every pet there is clean up involved. For dogs, cats and horses, grooming is a high priority. Then there is cleaning of litter boxes, scooping poops, and if your pet sheds a lot, much vacuuming. If you own mice, guinea pigs, sugar gliders, birds or other small pets, you still much clean the cage regularly, but the daily clean up is not quite as much.

A little boy we know badly wanted a pet. His Mom and Dad do not care for animals in the home at all, but wanted their son to learn to care for a pet. The solution: A fish. He is responsible for feeding the fish and gets help with cleaning the bowl and changing the water. Problem solved and all are content..for now!

Do you travel extensively? If so, maybe a pet isn't for you. If you must have one, consider a fish tank and get to know a neighbor you can trust to feed and check the tank while you are away. Some who travel and have dogs and cats hire a petsitting service or board their animals. This can get pricey.

Some would argue climate must be considered. We live in Coastal Texas and have a White Shepherd and a Siberian Husky. Needless to say, we have air conditioning and our dogs are indoor pups. In extreme temperatures your pets must have shelter, food, water and room to move.

Having a pet adds to your responsibility to your life, but in most cases, the positive greatly outweighs the negative. It has even been found that pet owners live longer and healthier lives. Search the Internet for dogs, cats or whatever you are hoping to get. Look at personality traits, energy levels, grooming guides and know ahead of time what adjustments your family will need to make. Most of all, enjoy your new pet!

Article submitted Saturday, October 29, 2011 & read 130 times.

Leave your comments through My Pet Tale:

» left by Christofer French from Denver (115 days 8 hours ago.)

Wonderful article with the right perspective. Once people see and feel how much a pet offers to their family and family culture, they will follow your suggestions and be much happier.
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» left by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁷⁵⁾ (113 days 21 hours ago.)

Thank you, Christofer, and thanks for checking out My Pet Tale. I know of people who have gotten the wrong pet for their family's lifestyle and it wasn't a good ending. Hopefully, this info will help someone make a decision on the type of pet to adopt. Have a great evening!

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