by Elyse M

Created on: March 12, 2009

Dogs are said to be man's best friend, but are you a good friend to your dog? How about your cat, rabbit, snake or fish?

When you decide to get a pet, it's important to choose one that will fit your lifestyle, not just the cutest or coolest one you can find.
It's easy to get carried away and not carefully consider the quality of life you will be providing to your new friend.

Here are a few important things to consider when preparing to adopt a pet.

Shelter
What kind of home will you be providing to your new companion? Make sure that your place provides enough room for them to live comfortably. They will need to have a comfortable place to sleep, surroundings where they can feel safe, and enough room to move around according to their species/breed's habits. Small dogs and cats will likely be content in smaller surroundings like an apartment, but larger dogs will need ample room to run. Homes with yards are better for larger breeds.
Cage/tank dwelling creatures may need less space in your home, but will still require items that will make them feel comfortable, which may include places to hide, things to climb, lamps to provide heat and light, shady areas, and other things that simulate their natural environment.

Food
This is pretty self evident, but food is a very important consideration when caring for a living creature. A lot of animals have specialized diets, which may or may not include other living things such as flies, meal-worms or crickets.
If the creepy crawlies aren't your style, more traditional pets are probably a better match. It might seem pretty simple to keep your cat or dog fed with all of the brands of food out there, but like humans, animals require good nutrition. Many of the inexpensive brands found on the shelves at the grocery store are akin to feeding your pet junkfood on a daily basis, which can lead to health problems later in life. It's a good idea to observe their dietary habits and consult with a veterinarian about any health or behavioral issues you notice. Your pet may have, or develop special dietary needs, and you might need to purchase specially formulated food based on their condition. Portion control is also important in maintaining a healthy pet. Obesity afflicts animals too and can lead to many other health, and quality of life issues.

Attention/Consistency
How much time are you willing and able to devote to your pet? Make sure you get a good idea as to how much time is required to meet the basic needs of caring for your pet, as well

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