Adopting a Pet is Serious Business

If you are adopting a pet, you may want to consider the space, money and time involved in becoming an owner.

Space for a Pet

If your home is full of valuable carpets and upholstered furniture, then cats and dogs may not be appropriate. Cats are hard to contain in one room, can jump a fence and do not respond to being told no. Dogs, which can be contained by indoor fences, need different space according to size. Active dogs of almost any size need a dog yard. Also, the bigger the dog, the more indoor space it needs to be happy. Of course, dogs and cats return affection much better than other pet and can be wonderful companions.

If you are constantly worrying about damage, you might consider smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or fish. For small animals, you will need an appropriate place for a cage. Small animals often carry viruses such as strep throat that can be communicated to children. For that reason, the cage should be in a family area not a child's bedroom. For fish, obviously you need an aquarium. Consider where it will be placed, what water could do to the furniture and how easily you can access it for cleaning. An aquarium -- or perhaps lizards in a terrarium -- could be in a child's room, if the child is old enough to be trusted with the temptation to play with the animals. Finally, if you are interested in birds, you will need to take into account the mess that most birds make. Bird droppings and food are tossed about by even the smallest birds.

Money

Each type of pet requires a different financial outlay. For those starting with a bird, fish, small mammal or lizard, the initial expense is the cage, aquarium or terrarium. Upkeep for these animals is generally limited to food and bedding, perhaps $15 a month. Aquariums need replacement filters of $10 or more each month.

Cats and dogs purchased through a breeder or a pet shop can run from fifty dollars up to a thousand for rare breeds. An average of $125 to $300 is a regular outlay for a popular breed such as a cocker spaniel or a golden retriever. Adopting an animal from a humane society runs $35 to $75, but generally comes with a free spay or neuter at a local veterinarian and the initial shots. Cats and dogs need a rabies shots. There is also a regimen of shots for each that can total a hundred or more with a veterinarian visit. These costs may be repeated yearly. It is important to consider these costs as you debate a pet purchase.

Time

Regular weekly, even daily cleaning may be needed for small mammal cages, bird cages and lizard terrariums. Aquariums need new filters monthly and often require cleaning. Dogs will need walks several times a day unless they have a dog yard. Cats tend to take care of themselves. A cat litter pan will need cleaning daily to avoid odors.

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