How to Know if You're Ready for a Pet

By Bill Herrfeldt

Instructions

Step 1:
Do you have the money? In a very real sense, taking on a pet is much like adding another person to your family. Considering that the mortgage payment is due each month, you need to put food on the table, and pay an ever-increasing amount just to live from day to day, you need to realize that pets can be expensive. There’s pet food, toys and a place for it to live, not to mention that, should it become ill, there’ll be veterinarian bills that can run into the hundreds of dollars. Be sure you can handle a pet financially before you make the decision to get one.
Step 2:
Do you have the time? You’ll want to enjoy your pet. That’s one of the big reasons why you want one, right? But if you have an already-crowded work schedule, you may simply not have the time to spend getting to know the pet. If you are thinking about getting a dog, for example, it will require housebreaking, or else you will suffer the consequences. And it will need to be trained to avoid behavioral problems that could be a danger to both you and your children. Unless you have the time to devote to the care and raising of a pet, maybe you should delay your decision to get one.
Step 3:
Do you know what to get? It’s not enough to say that you want to get a dog or cat. Each comes in a variety of breeds, and you need to determine which breed fits into your lifestyle and that of your family. For example, there are certain breeds that are traditionally difficult to be around. If there are young children in the family, you’ll need to find a pet that won’t turn nasty if subjected to the typical treatment young children provide. Do your homework before you bring your pet home.
Step 4:
Are you ready for a long-term commitment? Dogs and cats can live 20 years, or more. So, before you get one, understand that you are making a huge commitment. Pets are not like cars that you can test-drive, than walk away if you aren’t happy. Be certain that you are ready to dedicate a portion of your life to a pet before you decide to get one.

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