An Updated Guide to Choosing a Pet

Thinking of getting a pet?  Be prudent and do not buy on impulse.  Having a pet is a serious commitment, so read on.

Most guides would tell you roughly the same thing.  You need to think at length as to what kind of animal you like.  Would you like small and easy to manage pets?  Medium sized pets, or really large ones?  You should also consider the cost of purchasing your pet, as well as the cost you are going to incur caring and maintaining it.

The space you have available could also be a factor.  If you are renting, your landlord might not allow you to keep pets.  Some condos and apartments also require a damage deposit, or limit the size of your pets, or perhaps disallow certain animals on the premises.  It is a good idea to have the permission in writing, or perhaps you could ask to have your lease agreements revised.

The animal's life span is also a consideration.  There are pets that live up to 20 years or even longer.  As with everything, do not choose a pet if you are not ready to make a lifetime commitment to it.  This also goes for time commitment.  Do you have the time to look after it, train it, and care for it?

Do you have the know-how to care for your pet?  If not, are you willing to learn?  This might mean additional financial investments in books, or time investments reading over the Internet. 

If you are single, think about how your pet would affect your life in the future.  Should a person you would date be an animal lover too?  Will you give up the pet in case your significant other does not like it? Will you be able to start or raise a family and still give ample attention to your pet?

Other considerations exist like are you allergic to fur, feather, or things that are generally associated with pets.  In the case of exotic pets, is it legal to have one in your state?

These are the guidelines that most people would tell you to consider.  However, they left out the most important thing: will you "jive" with your pet?  On top of these guidelines, you should consider your potential pet's personality, temperament and activity level.  If you are laid back, you might find having a pet that's eager to go outdoors every so often a pain to keep.  If you are active, you might be frustrated if your pet just wants to lie around.  If you have kids at home, you might want a friendly pet, a domesticated dog that is easy to train.

Michael Gabriel L. Sumastre is a true animal lover. He loves to play with his dog and is thinking of getting a new cat. He is the freelance writer of AnimalStars.com, a luxury online pet store that specializes in dog and cat collars, pet ID tags, pet birthstones, pet bells, latest pet accessories, cool pet clothes, colorful pet jewelries, and pet health.