Bored Panda spoke to Tinsley Dahl from the Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership, who kindly gave us some important points to remember before taking the big decision of getting a pet. It’s not a responsibility to take lightly!

“Before you start meeting adorable puppy eyes or pretty kitten paws that you just cannot refuse, take some time to sit down with your family and consider your overall schedule and energy level,” she said. “How long will you be gone during an average day? What’s your activity level? Do you spend weekends away from home? Do you take daily walks or do outdoor activities currently?”

“Sometimes life can be unpredictable, and if you’re planning any big lifestyle changes, these can be an important consideration. Planning on getting married or starting a family soon? Socialization will be key for your pet to ensure that your best buddy is welcoming of new family members. For dogs, obedience training and proper activity can be important to curb undesirable behaviors. Big changes can be very stressful for humans, and pets under duress can experience behavior and health changes due to stressful environmental changes.”

“Are you prepared to make a long-term commitment? It’s important when adopting a new pet to consider not only what having a pet entails during the fun puppy or kitten stage, but also if you’re prepared to grow with your pet. Cats and some small breed dogs can live up to 20 years! It’s imperative to consider how the needs of your new pet may change over time, and what may be required in the way of health care or other needs.”

“Has your family researched what vetting costs over the lifetime of a dog or cat? In addition to basics like pet food, toys, treats, and other fun accessories for your pooch or kitty, your playful pooch or kitty will need regular checkups and dental cleanings in order to look and feel his very best for a lifetime of fun. In addition to an annual exam, your furry friend will require vaccines and potentially tests and medications from time to time. Active doggies may encounter everyday injuries just like humans. Many online resources exist that estimate the cost of veterinary care over a pet’s lifetime. Some owners choose to provide pet insurance to assist when the unexpected does occur. Pet insurance provides a range of coverage and prices from emergency only to full annual exam and wellness benefits. Friends, family, and neighbors can be a great resource to find a veterinarian. If adopting from a rescue organization, ask the rescue for a list of great vets in the area!”

“Poodle or Maltipoo? Siamese or Domestic Short Hair? Deciding what breed of dog or cat may be the best fit for your family can be a fun learning experience. There is no shortage of kennel clubs or online resources regarding each breed.”

“While breed is often a personal preference, it’s important to take into account the general temperament of each breed. Mixed breed dogs often inherit a combination of each breed trait and can vary in both appearance and temperament. Many rescues specialize in Purebred dogs. Similarly, purebred dogs can often be found in local shelters through no fault of their own. One of the benefits of mixed breed dogs is that because they are genetically more diverse, they are less likely to inherit genetic defects that can cause health problems.”

These are just a few things to take into account before getting a pet, unfortunately many people rush into the decision and find themselves overwhelmed. For more information about responsible pet ownership as well as the possibility to adopt if you do think you are ready, check out ARPO’s Facebook page here.