5 KEY QUESTIONS

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1. Is the Pet right for my family members?

   A strong, active Pet may be too much for a young child or elderly person to handle. Small Pets may be too delicate for rough play with children. Always make sure that everyone in the household agrees to adopting a Pet and that no one in the family is allergic to Pets.

2. Who will be the primary caretaker for the Pet?

   Designate one adult in the home to be primary caretaker so that the Pet's needs don't become lost in the shuffle of busy schedules. You can still teach children the importance of caring for their new friend by assigning some age-age appropriate tasks, such as brushing the Pet.

3. Can I afford a Pet?

   The cost of a Pet goes far beyond the purchase price or adoption fee. Remember to include the cost of food, Pet supplies, veterinary care, training and professional grooming. In addition, consider that you may need to build a fence or hire a Pet sitter.

4. Am I ready to make a long-term commitment?

   Adopting a Pet means being responsible for its health and happiness for the rest of its life, which could easily be 10 to 15 years for dogs and more than 15 years for some cats.

5. Are you committed to making this Pet a good citizen?

   A well-trained Pet is a pleasure and is welcome in public parks, on sidewalks and in other people's homes. And research shows that people who take the time to train their dogs keep them longer than people who don't.

Some Considerations:

• How much time will you and your family have to care for and play with the Pet? If you work long hours and are interested in owning a dog, consider a breed that requires less exercise; small dogs, such as pugs, toy poodles and Maltese might be a good choice. Avoid active larger dogs, such as retrievers, which require a lot of exercise and attention. If you plan to be away from home on a regular basis, a self-sufficient cat, small bird or exotic Pet may be the best choice.
• Do you live in a house or apartment? If you live in an apartment, first check to see if your landlord allows Pet and if or she imposes any breed or weight restrictions. Cats, birds, fish, ferrets and other exotics are the best options for apartment dwellers. If you're interested in a dog, however, choose a small to midsize, less active breed. Avoid noisy dog breeds, such as beagles, and be sure you're willing to walk even a small dog several times a day.
• Do you have large or small yard? Is it fenced? You usually can compensate for a small or unfenced yard by taking your Pet on long walks or playing in the park. Keep in mind that sporting breeds, such as Labrador retrievers and Irish setters, need a lot of exercise. If you're not up for regular long walks, consider toy breeds, which tend to require less physical activity.
• Do you have kids? Such midsize or large non-aggressive dogs as golden or Labrador retrievers, beagles and Shetland sheepdogs work best for families with children. Other breeds such as Dalmatians, cocker spaniels and some terrier breeds may be less tolerant of children, so consider these dogs only if children are old enough to understand the dog's temperament and respect its boundaries. Cats can be loving companions for older children. For families with small children, we often recommend guinea pigs. They're fun to watch and pet, and they're easy to care for.
• Do you already own a Pet? With some exceptions, Pets are generally happier in pairs. Two Pets may entertain each other and learn from each other while you're away. If you choose to own a cat and want to add a dog to the family, choose a breed that's known for its calm temperament, such as a poodle or a Shetland sheepdog. Older dogs may be the best option in this circumstance, because owners can obtain the Pet's behavior history, which makes a pattern of either aggressive or docile behavior easier to spot. One caution: Avoid dogs traditionally bred to hunt small mammals, such as greyhounds and many terrier breeds
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• Is coat/fur length an issue? Longhaired cats and long-coated dogs, such as collies and keeshonds, have thick coats that require a lot of brushing. Short-coated dogs, such as Labrador retrievers, require less brushing but usually shed year-round. Other breeds, such as poodles don't shed but need to be professionally clipped periodically.
• What specific behaviors are you looking for? Do you want a watchdog, a Pet to play with your children, a hunting buddy or a quiet companion?

WHERE TO START

After you and your veterinarian select the appropriate Pet and breed, you can start your search at PetSmart Adoption Centers, which house homeless Pets that are just waiting for the right family or person. And don't forget to consider mixed breeds -- they often need homes, and they make wonderful Pets. And by adopting a mixed-breed Pet, you can often avoid the inherited diseases that can plague purebreds.

DID YOU KNOW...

Scratching is normal behavior for cats. The act of scratching not only removes the claw's outer covering, but also serves to mark territory. Outdoor cats claw trees and wood and frequently return to the same marking posts. Indoor cats, if not provided with an adequate surface, usually choose furniture and woodwork. One easy way to help ensure that your new cat won't claw the couch: Provide a scratching post from the start, and praise your furry friend each time he or she uses it.

GET STARTED RIGHT

To give you and your new Pet the greatest chance for success, your veterinarian can provide all of the information and tools you'll need to establish a good quality of life for your new family member.

Healthcare

Provide all of the preventive veterinary care your Pet needs in a lifetime such as: vaccinations, fecal checks and counseling on nutrition and parasite control -- and any emergency / illness care. Ask your veterinary team for more details.

Elimination and Behavior Training

No matter what Pet you choose, consult with your veterinarian, to aid in a smooth transition into the family. That commitment includes providing information on housetraining, chewing, obedience training and more. They can also help you choose from PetSmart's vast selection of litter boxes, scratching posts, chew toys and Pet foods -- everything you'll need for a happy, healthy Pet.

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