What Kind of Pet Should You Get?


Research has proven that having a pet is good for your health. This benefit depends on having a good match between the animal and the guardian. How do you find a good match?

First, you will need to take a close look not just at the characteristics of the pet you are considering, but at your own personality and lifestyle. For example, while you may want the companionship of a dog, if you spend most of your time away from home, a dog would not be a fair choice. Instead, you should look for a pet that can spend time alone happily, or consider getting two pets to keep each other company.

In addition to how much time you have to devote to a pet, think about the environment you live in. While some pets are strictly indoor dwellers, others thrive best with access to outdoor space. Of course, the larger the pet, the more space it will need.

Consider your finances, too. Some pets require regular grooming, which can be expensive. The baby animal you fall in love with today might grow up to have an appetite too big for your budget.

And don’t forget to think about the life span of the animal, and whether or not you will be able to care for it for the duration of its life. While some pets can adjust to a new home in their later years, it can be very traumatic for others.