Responsible pet ownership is a subjective matter. Some individual's compassion for others extends to animals and they do not hesitate to take in a stray or two, in addition to the pets they may already have, and provide them a good home. For others, more than one pet is an unseemly idea.

Depending on where you reside, the decision can be made for you by state, city or county ordinance. Most states allow up to three to five pets per individual dwelling. A few states might even go as high as five to seven pets per household. But outside regulators cannot determine or mandate what would be individual responible pet ownership.

Factoring in all of the expense and work that goes into caring for pets, common sense often takes precedence over governing rules and regulations. Some people want to have the highest number of pets allowed, while others want none, or one at the most.

Here are some guidelines to consider when determining responsible pet ownership:

* Finances

It is costly to provide food, supplies, and medical care for animals. Some long-haired species require regular grooming, and unless you have the time and talent to do it yourself, that can wreak havoc with the budget. Some animals might require training sessions break bad habits, and that is another expensive undertaking. Adjustments to provide for the animal's safety and well-being, such as fencing or installation of a pet door, could be another hidden expense.

* Physical care

Do you have the time and energy required to groom shedding pets, clean up outside areas of their waste and exercise them properly. There is no merit to owning multiple pets if they are neglected or poorly cared for because of a time constraint.

* Resident restrictions

If you rent an apartment or town home the decision regarding pet ownership might be regulated by the landlord. In a residential neighborhood, complaints are often made by neighbors concerned with pet noise or too many pets in a household.

* Children

If you have children, there is a safety factor to consider. Sometimes a young child will play rough or get between two pets, or a pets and their food, and inadvertently become injured by a rambunctious animal. It is difficult to project what could happen with the behavior of multiple pets to consider.

* Allergies

If any member of the family is allergic to animals, then one pet is too many.

* Temperament

Do you have the temperament to care for animals? Impatient personalities do not fare well with pets. It takes a compassionate nature to get up in the middle of the night if a pet needs to go out. Vigilance is required to ensure your pets are no in need of medical care, protected from the hot sun in summer, or the harsh cold of winter. Even when you are exhausted from a hard day at work, the pet still needs to be walked daily for exercise.

Each time you add an additional pet to your family, you are increasing expenses and drains on your energy and time.

Owning pets is beneficial to health and longevity because of the unconditional love and companionship they provide. Common sense must prevail, however, in determining the number of pets your life will practically accommodate. Your pets' health and safety must be a priority consideration.

Each individual must make the decision about owning a pet, or how many pets are too many, based on the size of his heart, the health of his finances, the size of his residence and the sacrifices he is willing to make for his furry companions.

Source: Veterinarypartner.com

Learn more about this author, Carol Gioia.
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