Animals are an amazing addition to your life. They offer companionship and give you a reason to be more active. There are many different pets you can add to your family like a cat, dog, fish, hamster, bird, or guinea pig. The important thing is to make an informed decision, so you end up with a good fit for your family:

Narrow it down:

Before you start looking at pets, you need to ask yourself some questions to try to narrow down your search for the perfect pet. You need to think about your lifestyle and how a pet will fit into it. If you are not at home very often, then you shouldn’t get a dog that will need a lot of attention and walks every day.

You should also consider your personality. If you are extroverted, then a dog may be a good fit because they tend to be extroverted, as well. Quieter personalities may prefer the companionship of a cat, hamster, or reptile. You should also consider if you have any allergies that pet dander will make worse. If you do have pet allergies, then you may want to welcome a reptile or amphibian into your home. You can go here for more information.

Always keep in mind where you live and the level of care that you are capable of providing. If you live in an apartment, then you will want an animal that can thrive without a lot of space. If you are not able to take a dog on regular walks or change a cage often, then you need to consider that in your decision.

Dogs:

If you think a dog will be a good fit for your family, then you need to think about the breed that would be best. Some dogs are much higher energy than others so it is important to find a dog that is the best fit for your expectations. If you have small children, you want to make sure that the kind of dog you get will coexist happily with them.

According to Devin Harris Joplin, MO, Great Danes are the perfect family pet because they have a gentle nature, love children, and don’t need much exercise. They can be calm inside while still having enough energy to play in the yard or go for a walk when you want them to. Consider other breeds as well, like retrievers, schnauzers, and bulldogs, that also make great family pets.

Cats:

Cats are great low-maintenance pets once they are fully grown. If you want a cat that is a little more affectionate, then you need to consider the breeds when you are searching for the right fit. Long hair cats may also be a little higher maintenance to keep groomed and clean up after.

Birds:

Some types of birds are better suited for human companionship than others, so be sure to do your research before finding a bird to have as a pet. Different kinds of birds will all prove to be extremely different for handling, teaching to talk, or performing tricks.

Fish:

Fish have the lowest care needs of any of the pets, so they are ideal for people who want minimal effort. They do not provide any affection or tricks, but they do provide some companionship and beautify any space. Be sure that you understand the needs of the kind of fish you get to make sure it is comfortable and safe in the tank.

Pets will make a wonderful addition to any home but they are a huge responsibility. Consider the care you are able to best provide before making any decisions!

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