You may want to have a pet for many reasons. However, there may be many reasons why you should not have a pet right now. Use the information on this page to determine if a pet if you should get a pet, and if so, what kind might be right for you.

Researching Pets

Before you get a pet, you need to know how to care for it. Read about the type of animal you are going to get. Learn as much as you can about your pet so you can be a good owner. Read about what your pet's environment should be, what to feed it and about its health care.

We have a list of many pet information sites on our Other Sites page.

Making Sure You Can Take Care Of It

How Long Will My Pet Live?

After researching the type of pet you are going to get, think about its life span. How old will you be when the animal is more than half way through its life span? Will you be able to take care of that animal then?

Do We Have Room For A Pet?

Is the pet large? Is there room in your home for the pet to play and a good place for him/her to sleep?

Will your pet live in a cage or aquarium? Decide if you have the space for a cage or aquarium in the room where you are going to keep your pet.

Will We Have Time To Care For Our Pet?

Think about your daily and weekly activities. Some pets require more time from their owners than others.

Fish need just a few minutes a day for feeding and about half an hour a week to attend to their tank.

Small animals such as birds, rabbits, ferrets and hamsters need at least half an hour to an hour a day for feeding, cleaning and playing.

Medium sized animals such as cats require about an hour a day for feeding, cleaning and playing.

Larger animals, such as dogs and horses require at least two hours a day. They need fed, cleaned up after, and exercised outdoors.

Is A Pet Right For Me?

Take this pet survey to find out if a pet is right for you!

1. Do you feel bothered by loud noises?
Yes
No
2. Do you mind messes in your room or home?
Yes
No
3. Do you have a set-in-stone routine every morning?
Yes
No
4. Do you have a hard time getting awake in the morning?
Yes
No
5. Do you wake up easily in the night?
Yes
No
6. Do you live in a place where your pet could exercise?
Yes
No
7. Are you an active individual?
Yes
No
8. Are you a person that likes your home/room neat and tidy?
Yes
No
9. Do you have other pets?
Yes
No
10. Are you at home less than 4 waking hours a day?
Yes
No
11. Do you go on more than two vacations a year?
Yes
No
12. Does everyone in your family like animals?
Yes
No
13. Do you feel overwhelmed with responsibilities and chores?
Yes
No
14. Do you and your family have other commitments and obligations outside of the home?
Yes
No
15. Are you a patient person?
Yes
No
16. Is money an issue with you or your family?
Yes
No

Your score and an explanation will appear in this text box.