How to Choose the Right Pet for Your Family

Things To Consider

Sit down with your family and answer the following questions. There may be some restrictions or a pet that best suits your home or lifestyle that becomes evident in the answers.

Dogs

One of the most popular pets, they’re energetic, entertaining and affectionate. Learn as much as you can about the breed you’re considering before you bring it home to ensure it’s the right fit for you and your home’s features. For example, Rough Collies are prone to anxiety around loud noises, so not the best choice if your child is an aspiring drummer. If you’re adopting a puppy, be ready to dedicate a significant amount of time to training, and budget for new accessories and vet bills. You may also need to get a dog walker or daycare for the first few months until the puppy can be left alone.

Cats

Cats are more low maintenance and independent than dogs, so time commitments may be less, but they still require attention, play and depending on your breed, feeding multiple times a day. It’s also important to decide if you’re going to allow your cat to go explore outside on its own or not. Outdoor cats are more independent, get more exercise and often experience more vitality as a result, however they also require more immunization and are at risk for contracting foreign viruses. Indoor cats often require additional maintenance, as they shed and use the litter box exclusively indoors. Indoor or outdoor may be decided for you if you live in a condo, however it’s important to note that cats should be conditioned to go outside from infancy, even if it’s just on your balcony.

Birds

Birds are smart, social and interactive animals, and different breeds require different levels of attention. You will need to allocate time each day to spend with them and keep them pacified with sounds when you’re not home. In addition to regular maintenance of the cage, you’ll need to give your bird space to spread its wings, whether that’s in a bigger cage or out in a controlled area. Also, consider noise when deciding on a bird, without adequate space and stimulation some breeds will chirp constantly, which your family and neighbours probably won’t be happy about.

Fish

A fish is a great starter pet, particularly for small children and families who may not have grown up in a pet household. They’re quiet, compact, and require very little maintenance and attention. Feeding the fish daily is a great way to teach kids some responsibility and the importance of caring for pets that rely on their owners to survive. It’s also a great option for a single-person household, as care can easily be taken on by one person.

Rodents

Hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, rats and rabbits require a reasonable amount of care and are well suited to small spaces. Although hamsters prefer to be alone, other rodents often do well within their own gender. Rats are social and smart and can even be trained to do tricks. Be sure to be careful when letting rodents roam free as they love to find nooks and crannies to escape into. A small plastic exercise ball is the perfect way to let your pet explore your home and keep an eye on them, just be sure to block off any stairs or keep them on the ground floor. Rabbits can require a bit more care and maintenance; they require a strict diet and regular vet checkups and bigger rabbits will need to be trained to use a litter box. They’re actually great cuddlers and prefer human company to roaming solo.

Reptiles

Reptiles such as turtles, lizards and snakes are a great allergy-friendly option. Although they don’t require a lot of play time, they do require maintenance; their cages are often larger and harder to clean and they require specific temperatures to thrive. You also may be going to specialty stores for foods, as some reptiles require live insects in their diets.

Outdoor Areas

Consider installing additional fencing to create an enclosed outdoor place for dogs or even rodents to explore that don’t risk ruining your lawn or garden.

Features and Finishes

Pet-washing stations or built-in cabinets that can be turned into a litter-box area are great features to consider when picking your upgrades. If you have a pet that sheds or will be running around the house, your flooring, baseboards, stairs will need to be durable and easy to clean. Same goes with your furniture and accessory choices in the home if your pet will be up on the couch or could easily knock over lamps, frames or plants.

Neighbourhoods

Depending on the pet you choose, you may be relying on neighbourhood amenities to provide your pet the exercise it needs.  Proximity to parks and walkable streets are important, particularly with dogs and outdoor cats that may be exploring on their own. Consider your new or existing neighbourhood’s features in your decision-making process.