Research Your Chosen Pet

The right pet can provide a healthy, long-term relationship

Taking the time to carefully choose your pet will help to avoid difficulties and frustration in the future. When you combine the information that you have gathered from the previous Keys, you should be able to more easily chose a pet that is suitable for you and your lifestyle. Thoroughly research potential pets that have the characteristics and traits that you feel that you can live with comfortably. If possible, meet them in person and talk with the owners to get a feel for what it is like to live with the pet daily. Ask them about the good and the bad. Take the time to consider if the inherited traits, quirks and personalities that are normal for the type of pet you are interested in will suit you, your lifestyle and personality. Avoid those pets that may require more time and effort than you have to give, or will not currently suit your home or life.

Questions to consider in order to make the right choices:

• Do you feel that the pet will suit you, and that you will suit the pet?
• Are you willing to thoroughly research your potential pet to make sure that their personality, traits and quirks are something that you are comfortable with and can live with for the duration of the pet's life?
• Do you feel comfortable that you can handle the care of the pet on a daily basis?
• Are there any aspects of taking care of the pet that you question your ability to handle?
• Are there any genetic health concerns that your chosen type of pet may inherit that you should be aware of?

Choosing the right pet the first time can bring you many rewards throughout the life of the pet and reduce the amount of stress and frustration.