Choosing A Pet

Tips on how to choose the right pet

Bird or fish, dog or cat, snake or turtle, there are plenty of things to think about when choosing a pet. No matter what type of animal companion you've set your heart on, you can make your choice easier by keeping a few simple guidelines in mind when considering the various pets for sale at your local pet shop.

Choosing a Pet Bird

When choosing a pet bird, you should bear in mind that the life expectancies of popular bird species vary considerably. Finches, for example, have an average lifespan of just 5 to 10 years, while parrots can survive to be 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years old. In general, larger birds enjoy longer lives.

Canaries and lovebirds make excellent choices if you want a songbird; parrots, though they can be trained to mimic voices, have a grating squawk that isn't exactly musical. The most important consideration when choosing a pet bird is to select a pet that will complement the atmosphere in your home.

Choosing a Pet Dog

There's a lot to think about when choosing a pet dog, from the dog's disposition to its intended purpose. You want to ensure your pet will be happy in your home, so don't bring a large, active breed into a one-room apartment and expect it to thrive. If you have young children, unpredictable or snarly dog breeds like pit bulls and cocker spaniels aren't great choices, though the disposition of any given individual dog is largely dependent on how it's socialized. Trusting breeds like huskies make poor watchdogs, so choose a bulldog or Pomeranian if you want your pet to double as a guard. Also, compare your own energy levels against that of the dog you're considering, and try to match these up as best you can.

Finding a Pet Cat

Cats are all the same, right? Well, not quite. While many felines are highly independent creatures that give their affection and take it away as they see fit, there are definitely differing energy levels and dispositions among cat breeds, just as with dogs. For example, ragdoll cats crave more attention and affection than most others. Virtually hairless Sphynx cats are perfect if there's an allergic person in your household, and energetic Tonkinese cats make excellent playmates for active pet owners.

Finding a Pet Turtle

A basking turtle is perfect for first-time turtle owners, as these turtles are low maintenance and are perfectly happy when left to their own devices. Tank care and feeding are generally the only duties you'll have to worry about. As you become increasingly familiar with turtles, you'll find that they, too, come in all shapes and sizes: some grow very large, some are aquatic, some are terrestrial, and some are amphibious. If you're planning to build a collection of reptilian or aquatic creatures, you can add different turtle types as you see fit.

Choosing a Pet Snake

Finding a pet is a little trickier if you want to go the snake route. When choosing a pet snake, you should pay close attention to what is and is not legal in your jurisdiction. Poisonous pet snakes are prohibited in most parts of the United States, and snakes that grow to unruly lengths can be difficult to keep in a terrestrial aquarium.

A pet is not something you can buy impulsively – it is a major investment of both time and money. Most pets have lifespans of at least a few years, so be sure to evaluate how the pet will fit into future plans, and don't forget to factor in the cost of care and supplies.