Adopting a new pet is a huge responsibility and the first thing you need to consider is the advantages (and possible disadvantages) of pet guardianship. The first question to ask yourself is "why" you want to adopt a particular pet.

Top 10 Things to Consider before Adopting a New Pet

Commitment: The most important aspect to consider when adopting a pet. Adopting a pet is an emotional, financial, and time consuming commitment. Are you ready to make a 5, 10, 15 year commitment to an animal that will require daily care? Remember, many species of animals can live to be 10, 15, or even 20+ years. Be prepared to make a lifetime commitment when adopting a pet.

Research: Gather information on whether or not adopting a pet is right for you and/or your family based on current lifestyle and future plans. Research the advantages and possible disadvantages of pet guardianship. Examine your lifestyle and commitment level to make sure you are equipped and ready to properly care for a pet.

Type of Pet: With education brings knowledge. During your research, you should gain as much knowledge as possible about which pet is right for you based on specific breed/species characteristics. Making a good decision in this area will be rewarding for both you and your pet.

Lifestyle: They way you choose to live your life reflected in your beliefs, opinions, and values expressed, along with your social and economical status. Does a pet fit in to your lifestyle?

Time: Do you have time in the day to care for a pet? There will be feeding, walking, grooming, training, and playtime. There should be a sufficient amount of time left in the day to care for your pet.

Career: Does your job require you be on call, work long hours, work overtime, or travel? These are all questions you need to answer related to the amount of time you will have in caring for your pet. Also, does your job afford you enough to adopt a pet, pay any landlord/pet deposit fees, and save money on a monthly basis to care for your pet?

Finances: Average pet care ranges from $25-75/month for food, flea and heartworm prevention, and treats. Annual care can be in the thousands when you factor in bedding, clothing, toys, and necessary veterinary expenses.

Living Arrangements: Do you own or rent? If you rent, does your landlord allow pets? Always make sure to get any pet agreement with your landlord in writing. If you move frequently because of career/lifestyle changes, your pet must be able to move with you. Note: The # 1 reason pets are given up to animal control shelters is because their owners are moving. Be a part of the solution, not the problem!

Support: How much help will you receive from friends, family, your spouse, or children? We have already established that taking care of a pet requires commitment and time - do you have support to share the responsibility. If you are alone in this, then you need to consider whether or not you can take care of a pet on your own without any outside help.

Future Plans: What life changes might occur in the next 5, 10, 15 years (the average lifespan of an adopted pet)? Do you have plans to get married, have children (i.e. some animals do not take well to children), go back to school, move out of state, retire, or travel? All of these things can affect your future level of commitment when adopting a pet.

Being a responsible pet guardian involves commitment. Remember- adopting a pet is for life, and our goal is for you and your pet to be happy and healthy together - for life!