It’s Holiday Season.

Somehow, you wind up in the pet store. The kids are with you.

Little Bobby wants that puppy for Christmas, and you really want him to have it. But you know he’s not old enough to give the animal the care it would need, and you wouldn’t have the time. We have a problem.
So ask yourself this: Would you adopt a child on impulse?  Well, certainly not.
More likely you’d go home and discuss the matter with the rest of your family, first. You’d look at your lifestyle, your finances, your living arrangements, and other family commitments, then make a decision.

It’s important to consider these same issues when adopting a pet.

Too many of us act impulsively when it comes to adding a pet to the family, forgetting, perhaps even momentarily, that that adorable puppy or that lovable kitten will need house training, grooming, veterinary care, food and water each and every day, and lots of attention.
Your attention.

Now don’t misunderstand. Pets are good for people. Studies have shown that pets can help lower blood pressure and diminish depression, and oh the companionship. But if you adopt a pet you aren’t prepared to care for, or one that doesn’t suit your lifestyle, you may end up with more stress than you bargained for, and your pet becomes just another animal facing adoption. Or worse.
Animal shelters across the country are full of these stories and their unhappy endings.

So here are 6 things you should consider, and consider carefully, before bringing in a new pet:

• Financial commitment
• Time commitment
• The family’s health
• Where you live
• Ages of children
• Local pet laws

Choosing your new pet wisely is an important first step in making it a part of your family.
And having Little Bobby join in the discussions will surely do no harm.

Banner photo by pbo31, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.