Are you ready to commit yourself to the pet for its lifetime?

• Dogs can live over 15 years, and cats over 20 years.
• If you rent, you may not be able to keep a pet. If your housing is unstable, do not get a pet. It is also unfair to try to hide a pet in an apartment situation.
  

Do you or others important to you have allergies to pets?

• Make sure you know for sure before you get a pet.
  

Are you able to spend quality time with the pet?

• The amount of activity you do, the amount of time you are home, and what to do when you go away are all factors to consider when choosing a pet.
• You need to provide a minimum of an hour a day of active play and walks for your dog or cat in addition to quality time with you and/or your family.
  

Can you afford veterinary and other care?

• Cats and dogs require food and supplies such as collar, leashes, grooming supplies, toys, and bedding.
• Cats and dogs also require yearly vaccinations, and a one-time identification tattoo/microchip and spay/neuter surgery. Dogs require yearly licensing.
• Dogs will have training fees. Also consider kennel fees for when you are away.
• Costs, excluding a one-time spay/neuter cost of $400 for a medium sized dog, is around $1000 per year.

For a more detailed cost breakdown check out:
http://www.spca.bc.ca/animalcare/petcost.asp

Can you accept that a pet may not always do what you want him/her to?

• Puppies are not born a "Lassie." They require training infused with consistency and kindness.
• Cats and dogs are animals and as such, that is how they act.
  

• Spaying and neutering are very important. Not only will it control the pet overpopulation it helps prevent illness and behaviour problems.
• Cleaning up after your pet is necessary whether it be scooping poop in the park or cleaning a litter box. It is important for the health of you and the animals and the respect of your neighbours.
• Grooming is also a part of having most pets. Clipping nails, brushing hair, and brushing dog's teeth are necessary parts of the regular maintenance.
  

• If you are planning on having an outdoor dog, think again. Dogs are social animals and crave the company of humans, their "pack." Leaving a dog exclusively outdoors will lead to behaviour issues and undermine the psychological well being of your dog. Isolation is unreasonable. Many people end up banishing a dog to the outside when they underestimate the time commitment to make sure their pet is well adjusted or the dog creates too much work for the guardians. Instead, give your dog a special place of his/her own where s/he can have quiet time but still be with you.
• Are you away a lot? Best not to get a pet!
• Do you require a neat and tidy home? Dogs and cats are animals and view tidiness differently than you do. They shed and can negatively impact furniture.
  

• Is there any chance your decision is based on impulse and not on commitment? Avoid making such a significant decision on impulse.
• To teach your kids responsibilitiy? There are other ways to do this that do not impact another living being; these should be considered first. The child should be at least 7 years old and the family must agree that this is a long term commitment. Also consider if you are willing to be responsible for the pet once your children leave home.
  

• You are planning to move, going to school or are not home frequently.
• Your life lacks routine. Pets need stability and routine to feel secure.
• A pet might not fit in with future plans. Consider the 15-20 year life commitment.
• It is a spur of the moment decision. The pet's life is dependent on you.
• You are anticipating a big change in your life in the next year.
• It is the Christmas season. This season is too busy to spend the time a new pet requires. Also, the pet can have psychological and emotional problems once everyone suddently goes back to work after the holidays. Pets should NEVER be gifts.
• You are expecting a baby or planning a family? Perhaps you should wait until your family has stabilized. Dogs require house-training and obedience training; simultaneously raising a puppy and a toddler may be too much at once. Pets require a lot of time, attention and affection.

A dog has the soul of a philosopher.

Plato

Happy is the home with at least one cat.

Italian Proverb