Choosing your first pet can be overwhelming. To help narrow down the choices, consider some of these factors:

Try to assess what traits are most important to you i.e. friendly, low-maintenance or quiet? Some breeds are very active while others prefer a good night’s sleep in a cozy bed. Some breeds aren’t very affectionate while others crave attention from their favorite people.

The best way to determine whether a pet is right for you and your lifestyle is to visit the animal shelter or breeder and spend some time with the animals that interest you. In addition, it’s always a good idea to talk with other owners of that breed – they can be a wealth of information and can tell you what to expect from a particular breed.

Adopt An Older Pet

According to the Humane Society, there are more than 20 million homeless animals in animal shelters and sadly, only about half of them will be adopted. Many people opt for an older pet because they know exactly what they’re getting; they’re set in their ways and you’re set in yours. In addition, older pets typically cost much less than a new pet from a breeder or store.

Have An Escape Plan

All dogs need exercise, even when the temperature drops. Make sure that you have your dog’s well-being in mind along with your own personal safety by always having a plan when you’re bringing your dog out in public.

Do they need to be on a leash? Do you have a kennel for them when they are in the car, or do they fit in your lap? If you have any questions about personal safety along with your dog’s needs, reach out to your local veterinary clinic.

Know Their History

When you adopt a pet from an animal shelter or find a dog or cat on your own, make sure you know as much as possible about its background. Ask the staff at the shelter to point out any behavioral issues and make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date. Ideally, they should come from a home healthy and have good temperaments, but it’s also important that there isn’t any history of abuse or neglect.

Take The Time To Train Your Pet

Like children, pets need to be taught right from wrong. It can be frustrating at times when your pet doesn’t behave the way you expected them to, but with patience you can effectively train any animal.

Consider your pet’s age and their temperament when deciding whether to enroll them in obedience training classes. Training is never too late, but don’t be surprised if a naturally submissive dog doesn’t respond well to strong-handed techniques. Also, some breeds are more independent than others so they might need more training than others.

Be Prepared

Pets are just like people in that they get older, and sometimes they get sick or injured. They’re generally hardier than people, but it’s important to have a plan for what you would do if your pet gets sick or hurt. Think about where you will take them and how much money you will need to spend.