Learning the Basics of Pet Ownership: Consider the Six Keys Before Bringing Home A Pet of Any Kind

Several years ago I decided that I was going to write a book that would cover the important aspects of pet ownership. It was going to go by the title something along the line of “Top Ten Things to Know Before You Get a Pet.” So I wrote out a long list of things that should be considered before and after bringing home a pet, then broke it down into different groups, deciding where each part should go. What I ended up with fell into six distinct groups. I wasn’t quite prepared for this, but as I continued to work on this project, it became more clear that the key to creating a potentially “perfect” relationship does actually fall into these six particular areas:

•        Commitment
•           You and Your Family
•           Financial and Living Circumstances
•          Research of the Pet
•          Locating Reliable Sources
•          Living With Your Pet

I believe that if the potential new owner seriously takes a look at each area, and considers the questions that I have raised in my books, then the chances of having a more rewarding experience with any pet will be much higher. I will touch on each area here in this blog post, and will follow up weekly with more details, covering each area individually so that the reader can receive the full benefits.

Commitment -  In the long run, if a person does not want or have the ability to make a full commitment to the pet over it’s lifetime, which can vary depending on the type of pet, than that person should hold off on getting any pet until they feel that they are ready to actually make the commitment. A full commitment would include providing the pet proper housing accommodations, food, exercise – both physical and mental – grooming, medical care and attention over the entirety of it’s life. This could be a short year or two with a small pet like a mouse or rat, to over 40 or more years if the pet is a bird or other long lived pet. Over time, if the owner does not have the ability to have a  full commitment, the relationship will suffer.

You and Your Family -  It is very important to consider the temperament and personality of the main owner as well as others who may be in regular contact with the pet. This should include interests, activity levels, and free time that would be available for the pet. Consideration should be given to those living in the same household, be they a spouse, children, grandchildren, grandparents or roommates. Are there any health concerns that may make certain pets more likely or less likely to have in the home? For instance, large dogs may not be appropriate for small children or frail grandparents. If the owner has physical, or emotional, challenges, certain pets may be more difficult to live with and care for. Determine if you are more active and want a pet that can accompany you on long hikes in the mountains, or if you prefer a more sedate lifestyle and would be content with a pet that can provide a less demanding type of companionship. Consider also the time at home and away from home and decide what type of pet would best fit into your normal life.

Financial and Living Circumstances – Attention should be given to both your financial stability and living conditions. While it is impossible to know what the future may hold, make sure that you are financially able to take care of whatever pet you have to include food, housing, toys and any medical expenses that may arise. While the initial cost may be high, and there is always a “maintenance” cost for food, etc., there may be times when the pet requires medical attention that was not planned for or foreseen. This is frequently a part of pet ownership that is overlooked, but has the potential to become very stressful if the finances are not there for the critical care of the pet.

Keep in mind also that most pets prefer a steady, reliable household, where they are comfortable and feel safe. Consider your living situation, are you renting, sharing an apartment, own your own home, or other situation? How will this affect your possible pet? Avoid thinking that the pet will adapt to your own situation, as certain pets have very particular requirements to live and will need to have them to have a fulfilling, contented life.

Research the Different Types of Pets – It is important that you combine what you have learned from the above areas with the wide world of potential pets. Carefully consider your own life, personality and situation, what type of pet you are attracted to, and which one would comfortably fit in that specific household and lifestyle. Avoid getting the latest and greatest type of pet because it is “popular.” Make sure that it fits you, and more importantly, that YOU fit IT before making that final selection and bring the pet home.

Reliable Sources – Be aware that not all sources for any type of pet is a good place to pick one up. In short, you want to make sure that the animals are raised in a responsible, caring environment. That the owners are diligent in the upkeep of the individual pets, and do not keep them locked up in small cages and never allowed to see, or be in, the outdoors or home. If you can visit the premises, make sure that the animals, especially the parents to your potential pet, are clean, appear mentally content, are well fed and have time to interact with the owners, more than just the time that they spend when feeding them. If you have chosen a pet that can be registered, or if the owners can belong to an association or club that is dedicated to that particular pet, ask to see the paperwork. Is your pet registered? Will the paperwork transfer to you? If the pet can be health tested, what tests have been done and on which animals? Can you see the results?

Living With Your Chosen Pet – While researching your particular type of pet, you should have been able to gather information on what life with that pet is like. This would include the adjustment period after it joins you in your home, any adolescent stages, puberty, and maturity. And while it is very difficult to think about, the owner and those around him should keep in the back of their mind that there will come a time when the pet will be sent on ahead. This is a very difficult time, especially if you and your family have developed a close relationship to it. But it is something that needs to be addressed. If you talk it over with your spouse or other members of the family, and your veterinarian, it can be a much smoother experience.

If you take the time to consider each aspect of the Six Keys, and honestly answer and consider the concerns that have been raised, you very well may be blessed with an amazing pet and a more amazing relationship with him.

Over the next 6 weeks, I will be posting a blog on each of the Six Keys. These will offer more detailed information and questions will be available for the potential new owner, or even someone who has had a pet, to consider.

I look forward to embarking on this ambitious goal of lowering the overall shelter pet population to 20% in the next 10 years and hope that you will join me!! Click on the e-mail subscription button or join my Facebook page at It’s  DogGone Awesome – USA for any updates of events, activities and blogs.