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Adopt a pet for the right reasons
Is this a spur of the moment decision? Did you see a cute, furry face in a store window? Is it because your children are hounding you for one? Or is it because you have decided that you want the companionship that an animal can provide?
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Consult your entire household
Everyone who has to live with the pet should be in agreement about adopting it. If you are adopting it for your children, are you willing to care for the pet once the kids lose interest?
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Consider your lifestyle
Do you travel a lot or work most of the day? Do you have young children or other pets that may not interact well with a new pet? Is an energetic puppy that needs to be housebroken, prone to chewing everything and in need of obedience training right for you?
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Evaluate living accommodations
Many rental places do not allow pets or restrict what type of pet you can have. Do you anticipate a move in the near future?
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Not everyone can live with a pet
Is anyone in your household allergic to pets? Is anyone in the house fearful of that type of pet?
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Analyze time management
Do you have time to train, socialize and offer companionship to an animal? Do you have the time to feed, clean up after, groom, exercise and play with a pet?
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Budget expenses for your pet
Do you have the money to pay for food, heartworm preventive, toys, bowls, collars, cages, obedience lessons, etc.? Do you have the money to pay for visits to the veterinarian and proper vaccinations?
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Pets need room to roam
Do you have the appropriate space for the type of pet you are considering?
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Troubleshooting 101
Are you prepared to deal with the problems that may arise in pet ownership, like chewed furniture, flea infestations, accidents on the carpet, behavioral problems, etc.?
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Prepare for a lifetime commitment
Are you prepared to make a commitment to that pet for its entire lifetime? They don't remain cute, adorable puppies and kittens forever.
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