Pet adoption is an exciting time in every pet owner's life. As every pet owner knows, nothing is more satisfying than the unconditional love and affection that having a pet can bring. Unfortunately many people do not do the necessary research before they adopt a pet. This leads to more and more animals being abused and abandoned every year.
Below I have listed 12 critical categories one must consider before making the life changing decision to adopt a pet. They are in no particular order but are all equally important. These categories are extensive, going over the "good", the "bad" and the "ugly" when it comes to a specific type of pet that you want. This prevents the future pet owner from looking at pet adoption through rose colored glasses.
1. Personality: Here is where the attitude and temperament are discussed. Does this pet have a tendency towards being destructive? If so could you as the pet owner handle it? Is it laid back or wound up and hyper? Also discussed are various other qualities and traits specific to the pet.
2. Family/Child Friendly: When you are looking for a pet, this is a must have before you go about making your decision. Many people don't take into account whether or not the pet they choose is child friendly because they may not have children at the moment. However, pets these days can live up to 20 years or longer, so if you don't have children now, you may have children in the future within that 20 year lifespan of the pet.
3. Lifespan: As I mentioned above, pets these days can live up to 20 years and even longer, thanks to the advancement of veterinary medicine. Should something happen to you things must be taken care of in the matter of your pet.
4. Weight: The weight category is critical because many people who live in apartments that have weight restrictions on the pets they have, not to mention on what the owner wants. For example, not everyone wants a 250 pound dog! This must be researched carefully so you don't make a mistake of taking the wrong pet home.
5. Common Diseases: Here I go over the good, the bad, and the ugly about what diseases each pet is prone to getting. Not very many people think about the diseases and medical conditions that their new pet can get and how soon they can get them. Some pets have veterinary bills that are extremely expensive. This is a very important category that you must prepare for by having a veterinary expenses budget plan.
6. Housebreaking Factor: Here is where I go over whether or not your pet is easily housebroken. The housebreaking factor mainly applies to dogs, as cats are usually trained by their mother on how to use the litter box. Some dogs housebreak easily, others are more difficult to housebreak. Still other breeds of dog, housebreaking is out of the question.
7. Shedding Factor: The shedding factor however, is another story. If you suffer from allergies, or just don't like the idea of a pet that sheds a lot, then this category can provide you with much needed information in regards to your decision. For example, if you don't want that much shedding, then you don't want to get an Alaskan Husky, whose fur comes out in clumps around once or twice per year. Nothing to be alarmed about, it just happens as a normal part of the breed.
8. Best Owner Compatibility: There are many things to consider when adopting a pet. None of these is more important than you. Yes, that's right. You. What lifestyle do you live? Do you have a job where you work long hours and are hardly ever home? Do you have a job that requires you to travel constantly? Some animals can adapt to the city and suburbs. However, other animals specifically thrive in a rural setting. Animals need lots and lots of attention and this must be taken into consideration. Nothing is more sad than a pet left alone for hours on end because the owner is "too busy" to care for it.
9. Where To Buy: Just where do you plan on getting your pet? Do you want a young pet or would you be satisfied with an older pet? Do you prefer breeders or do you want a pet from a rescue group or animal shelter? Research where you want to get your pet, as its very important!
10. Average Cost: Just how much money do you plan to use to buy your pet? Do you have a modest budget or is the sky the limit? Some pets cost thousands of dollars, so be prepared.
11. Aggression Factor: Does the pet you want to adopt have tendencies towards aggression? This goes beyond just family and child friendliness. Some breeds of pet are better suited for being guard dogs. Others are good watch dogs. Still others don't have a mean bone in their body.
12. Noise Factor: This category is specifically important if you live in the apartment or condo environment. You must be respectful of your neighbors in this type of environment. If one of your neighbors works the graveyard shift and has to sleep all day, the last thing they want to hear is the noise making of a rambunctious pet. You want to have good relations with your neighbors.
Jessica Golden is a Veterinary Technician Student, has been a Pet Identification Specialist since September 2007, and is the owner operator of the website http://www.pet-adoption-guide.com/
