A pet can be such a joyful addition any home, whether it is a single household, or a full family. With the right care, your pet becomes as much a part of your family as any other member. There is a danger, however, in choosing a pet whose need for care is beyond your ability to give. Being a good pet owner begins with choosing the right pet for your home.
If your dwelling is on the small side (a studio or one-bedroom apartment), look into purchasing a smaller animal, such as a fish, hamster, or a lizard. All animals need exercise. Fish and small mammals, such as gerbils, can exercise themselves in their containers. If you really want to take your guinea pig, hamster, or the like out of its cage, you can obtain an inexpensive ball from any pet store so that it can run around the room. The temptation for a dog or cat can be tempting, but keep in mind that they need more exercise than your small home might be able to afford. In the long run, your pet’s life can be shortened if they do not have enough space in which to run and play.
A larger home can of course accommodate pets that need a bit more room to spread out. Larger dog breeds, cats, birds, even larger rodents like chinchillas and ferrets are better suited to these larger homes, which are better able to contain their large cages, and still leave ample room for their human cohabitants to live cleanly.
Consider the time and finances at your disposal. Certain animals need more attention than others. A cat’s litter box must be cleaned each day, and a dog must be walked daily, not to mention the training that goes into kittens and especially puppies. Larger rodents and like mammals will need their cages cleaned often and thoroughly. A small aquarium needs to be cleaned only once every few weeks, and a cage with one or two hamsters also takes very little maintenance.
If you have children, they will no doubt beg for a pet from an early age. It is perfectly fine to introduce a pet into a home with children, provided that they are ready to help care for, and follow certain rules once they have one. If you have younger children, be sure to supervise them whenever they are around the pet you choose. Keep in mind that smaller dogs may seem like a perfect idea because of their size, but can be a bit more likely to snap at your child than some larger breeds. No matter what you choose, your child needs to be taught how to handle the animal or to leave it be, if necessary. A hamster can give a painful bite, or can be easily harmed by a young child who does not know his own strength.
The pet you choose should take time and deliberation. Be sure you are willing and able to commit before you make a definite decision.