Tips for Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family

Bringing a pet into your home is a joyful and meaningful decision—but it’s important to choose the right one for your lifestyle and family. The right pet becomes a loving member of the household. The wrong match can cause stress for both your family and the pet. Here are helpful tips to guide your decision:

1. Consider Your Family’s Lifestyle

Think about your living space, schedule, and activity level.

• Do you have time for daily walks, Training, playing, and grooming? Please consider the realistic amount of time all contributing family members will have.
  
  

• Do you live in a small apartment or a house with a yard?

• Do you rent or own your home? Renters can have restrictions on the type or size of animals allowed, and often, if you rent, you will have added expenses when bringing certain pets into your home, such as pet deposits or pet rent.

• Does your family travel a lot, or are you pretty much homebodies?

• Are you active and on the go? If so, are there activities in which you could include your pet?

• What are the ages of your children or other pets?

  Active families might enjoy an energetic dog, while families who are often away from home may prefer a low-maintenance pet like a cat, guinea pig, or fish.

2. Match the Pet to Your Children’s Age

Families with young children should look for pets with a gentle, calm temperament.

Breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Golden Retrievers are famously kid-friendly.

Cats can be a good fit too—especially if they are tolerant and used to children.

Important: Always supervise young children when interacting with pets.

3. Think About Time Commitment

Pets need time, attention, and care every single day.

• Dogs require walks, playtime, training, and grooming. This is multiplied greatly if adopting an untrained dog or a puppy.
  
  

• Cats are more independent, but still need love and daily litter box maintenance.
  
  

• Small pets (rabbits, hamsters, etc.) need clean cages and regular handling.
  
  

Choose a pet that fits the time you can realistically commit.

4. Understand the Cost

Pet ownership includes both upfront and ongoing expenses. Below are the average annual costs.

• Food and treats

  The average cost of dog food for a year can range from $300 to $2,340.
  The average cost for cat food is $240 to $1980.

• Vet visits and vaccinations

  dogs $700 to $1,500.

• The average annual cost for cat vet care, including routine checkups and preventative medicine, typically ranges from $300 to $700.
  

• Grooming and supplies
  The average annual cost for dogs is $300 to $1,200 or more.

• The average annual cost for cat grooming and supplies varies widely, but you can expect to spend between $100 and $400 per year on grooming if you aren't gonna brush your kitty and trim their nails yourself.
  

• Emergency care

  The average annual cost for dogs can be a few hundred to a few thousand dollars or more

• The average annual cost for cats is similar

• Training tools, classes, and a private trainer if needed

  For dogs, $1,500 to $2,000

• for cats, the average annual cost for cat toys, treats, and cat furniture typically ranges from $100 to $400

• Toys for dogs $75 to $480

  For cats, the average annual cost for cat toys, treats, and cat furniture typically ranges from $100 to $400

• Travel expenses or boarding costs

  A reasonable estimate for annual travel expenses, excluding major medical emergencies, could range from $1,000 to $3,000.

  For dog boarding, you can expect to pay between $25 and $60 per night

  The average cost for cat boarding while traveling is approximately $25-$40 per night
  
  
  

Make sure your budget can support the pet you choose.

5. Do Your Research

Research different pet types and breeds.

Visit shelters, rescues, or breeders and ask questions. Learn about:

• Size and energy level

• Health concerns

• Grooming needs
  

• Behavior and training needs

• Training that's necessary for the breed and age

  Some shelters allow a short trial period before permanent adoption—great for families new to pets. Never adopt or purchase a pet from a shelter, foster, or breeder that won't allow you to see the pet's current living conditions or won't answer all of your questions openly. There are many pets that can come from unsanitary conditions, and there are some breeders that don't breed for health but rather for money only. Many of the puppies sold in pet stores are born in puppy mills, where conditions are terrible and the disposition and health are not a factor in their breeding.