My Family UK is a brand new website that is turning the online focus back onto families. We're dedicated to supporting you and your family live the life you choose to the full, with games, tips, offers and articles on all aspects of parenting. If your family means the world to you, check out www.myfamilyuk.com.
Article from: My Family UK
When choosing a pet, you need to consider the animal’s needs, as well as your needs as a family. Taking on a pet is a responsibility that lasts for the whole of that pet’s lifetime, so think about whether your circumstances are likely to change in the future.
1) Time
Although all pets need care and attention, some require constant companionship, while others are happy to amuse themselves for most of the day. Take your lifestyle into account and don’t get a pet that needs company if you can't provide it. Also, bear in mind the arrangements you would need to make for your pet if you were away from home, especially if you make frequent or extended trips away.
2) Space
Do you live in a tiny city flat or a roomy country house? Do you have access to a garden or a park? A large dog will need plenty of exercise and access to outside space, but a hamster or a goldfish could find a happy home in almost all locations.
3) Exercise
If you are very busy or don’t lead an active lifestyle then it will be difficult to find the time and energy to walk a dog. A smaller pet that needs less exercise will be a better bet.
4) Money
Pets are an extra expense, so if money is tight, it is well worth working out a budget in advance. Costs will include: the initial expense of buying a pet, veterinary bills (regular and unexpected), equipment (such as food bowls, beds, cages), training and pet insurance. If you can’t afford the costs associated with a larger pet, a smaller one may be a cheaper option.
5) Individual circumstances
Finally look at your own circumstances and your reasons for getting a pet. If someone in your family suffers from a fur allergy, consider getting a fish rather than a cat. Equally if you want to cuddle your pet, don’t get a stick insect. It is vitally important to consider pets that you already have when bringing a new pet into the home.
Further Information
For further information, and for more great ways to have fun with your family, log on to www.myfamilyuk.com. With a huge collection of articles covering everything from child safety to rainy day activities, you'll find all the help, guidance and entertainment you need to be a great parent. Go to My Family UK now!
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
Espera, Sopesa, Por Phil Galfond
De: Reilly | 01/06/2009 | Juegos“Rango” es una palabra poderosa en el mundo del poker estos días. Yo probablemente la uso cada vez que alguien me pregunta acerca de una mano que jugó. Parece que todo aquel que es alguien sabe sobre rangos. Ooooh. Tengo una idea divertida. Juguemos un poco a “elige tu propia aventura” (NT: “Choose your own adventure”, no sé cómo se llamará este juego en castellano).
El Movimiento Guerrillero Y El Bandolerismo En Los Municipios De Chaparral Y Rioblanco, Durante Los Gobiernos De Laureano Gomez Y Rojas Pinilla (1950-
De: WILMER DUVAN TAFUR PINTO | 09/07/2009 | HistoriaEl presente trabajo sobre el movimiento guerrillero y el bandolerismo se desarrolla en un periodo histórico en el cual se vivía en medio de un estado de sitio permanente, toque de queda y “chulavitas”. Se tiene como escenario el sur del departamento del Tolima y especialmente los municipios de Chaparral y Rioblanco, los cuales eran considerados durante el periodo de Violencia de los años cincuenta, como poblaciones en las cuales tuvieron asiento pasiones, que desataron un vendaval de fuerzas destructoras, a raíz de la etapa de odios políticos.
Dog Grooming Tips For Your Chow Chow
By: Michael Hrynewich | 02/01/2010In keeping with their self-assured temperament, Chows are a breed that truly likes to stay clean. While there are exceptions, most very much enjoy the dog grooming process. While clipping the coat of a Chow can actually be damaging to the two layers of its naturally dense coat, regular weekly dog grooming is what keeps the breed free from mats and tangles.
Kinds of hamsters and their origin
By: Plamena | 02/01/2010Have you ever thought of since when people are breeding hamsters in their homes as domestic pets and whose the idea of taming these small animals and close them in cages. And generally who has found them? Can you believe that the first race is found in 1893 but after that was forgotten for about 40 yaers before to enter into the human's life.
Helpful Grooming Tips For Your Cocker Spaniel
By: Michael Hrynewich | 02/01/2010The Cocker Spaniel requires regular dog grooming ideally daily or every other day brushing to stay in top shape. Their long, silky coat is prone to tangling and matting but is easy to maintain with a quick five-minute dog grooming routine each day.
How To Pick The Right Ferret Diet
By: Steven Jefferson | 02/01/2010Picking the right ferret diet is essential to ensure both the health and happiness of this cute little animal. Be sure you have the right information to be able to feed your adult or baby ferret properly.
What We Know About Electric Dog Collars
By: Brian & Jeff | 02/01/2010Learn more about the Electric Dog Collar and see if they are right for you at this time. Please read our unbiased review of the Electric Dog Collar and make your final decision.
Different types of Snakes today around the Planet and story about Anacondas Snake
By: Bojan Jop | 02/01/2010All types of Snakes in one place.Welcome to the Snakes World.
Chicken House Plans – Build a Comfortable Chicken Coop
By: Billy Randford | 02/01/2010Excellent information on constructing a comfortable chicken coop using chicken house plans.
Pied Cockatiel - The First To Develop The Colorful Mutations Of Cockatiels
By: Thomas Roberson | 02/01/2010Of the several mutations developed for the cockatiel species, the pied cockatiel was the first established mutation. But like other cockatiels, an erect crest is evident and prominent over their heads. Likewise called as pied tiel, variegated cockatiel and harlequin cockatiel, this adorable pied cockatiel makes a delightful pet with their tamed behavior.
The Secret to Rainy Day Fitness!
By: MyFamilyUK | 03/08/2009 | ParentingOn a perfect sunny day, it’s easy to get motivated for a brisk walk in the park or even a challenging jog around the neighbourhood. But now that summer showers are turning to autumn rain, the outdoors is a far less enticing place. It’s much harder to find the will to work out yourself, and almost impossible to motivate the kids. Here are a few ideas and guidelines to help fill those rainy hours and improve your family's fitness.
The Secret to Losing Weight!
By: MyFamilyUK | 03/08/2009 | Weight LossMany people have a distorted perception of what constitutes a healthy body weight and lead a healthy lifestlye. It's hard to estimate the line between being thin, for example, and being healthy. There is a difference. With these tips you can recognise that difference, and apply it to yourself!
The Secret to Planning a Luxury Holiday
By: MyFamilyUK | 03/08/2009 | DestinationsWe know you need to get away from it all - and you do deserve it. Whether you fancy a holiday this summer, this spring, or this autumn, make it a luxury break to top all others. We can show you how to plan an effective and cost-cutting luxury holiday, from the comfort of your sofa.
The Facts: What to Look for in a Luxury Hotel
By: MyFamilyUK | 03/08/2009 | HotelsThere is nothing quite like the style and elegance that you will get when you visit a luxury hotel. Luxury hotels have been the place to visit for a very long time. People would, and do, save all of their money just to bring a loved one to a luxury hotel for a few hours. There's no denying it: luxury hotels are so popular because they are such a great place to spend a holiday.
Tips to Help Your Family Exercise
By: MyFamilyUK | 03/08/2009 | ParentingYou might not believe it, but it really is possible to get your family fitter by making fairly simple changes to your everyday routine. You don't need to spend money on gym memberships or on expensive equipment. Read on to discover some incredibly easy steps to getting your family's fitness up to scratch.
Easy Steps to a Family Exercise Routine
By: MyFamilyUK | 03/08/2009 | ParentingThe best way to get your family in good shape is to start them on an exercise routine - one that will last. This means taking regular exercise with them, and being there with encouragement whenever they start slacking! The steps below show you how to build up a basic routine that it's easy to stick to, and easy to build upon as your fitness levels grow.
Easy Ways to Exercise (as a Family)
By: MyFamilyUK | 03/08/2009 | ParentingIt's important for everyone to get regular exercise, and a great way to do it is with your family. But one thing that can cause loads of opposition is how hard it is to exercise, and how boring it can be. Not any more!
Why Get Your Family Fitter?
By: MyFamilyUK | 03/08/2009 | ParentingCaring about your family can manifest itself in a range of different ways. Some parents express their love for their children with rewards and treats; others through kind words. But this isn't the only way to show that you care about your kids and your partner: keeping them in shape and in good health is the best way of taking care of them.