Adopting an animal is a big decision.  It requires changes in lifestyle everyone should consider before taking the leap.  Take a moment to look over the following ten considerations prior to adopting a pet:
 
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Adopt a pet for the right reasons. 
Is this a spur of the moment decision?  Did you see a cute, furry face in a store window?  Is it because your children are hounding you for one?  Or is it because you have decided that you want the companionship that an animal can provide during its lifetime?
 
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Consult your entire household.
Everyone who has to live with the pet should be in agreement about adopting it.  If you are adopting it for your children, are you willing to care for the pet once the kids lose interest?
 
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Consider your lifestyle.
Do you travel a lot or work most of the day?  Do you have young children or other pets that may not interact well with a new pet?  Is an energetic puppy that needs to be housebroken, prone to chewing everything, and in need of obedience training right for you?
 
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Evaluate living accommodations.
Many rental places do not allow pets, or restrict what type of pet you can have.  Do you anticipate a move in the near future?
 
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Not everyone can live with a pet.
Is anyone in your household allergic to pets?  Is anyone in the house fearful of that type of pet?
 
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Analyze time management.
Do you have time to train, socialize, and offer companionship to an animal?  Do you have the time to feed, clean up after, groom, exercise, and play with a pet?
 
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Budget expenses for your pet.
Do you have the money to pay for food, heartworm preventive, toys, bowls, collars, cages, obedience lessons, kitty litter, and other such expenses?  Do you have the money to pay for visits to the veterinarian and proper vaccinations for this pet?
 
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Pets need room to roam.
Do you have the appropriate space for the type of pet you are considering?  Are you looking to adopt a large, energetic dog to live in your studio apartment?
 
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Troubleshooting 101.
Are you prepared to deal with the problems that may arise in pet ownership, like chewed or scratched furniture, flea infestations, accidents on the good carpet, behavioral problems, etc.?
 
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Prepare for a lifetime commitment.
Are you prepared to make a commitment to that pet for its entire lifetime?  They don't remain cute, adorable puppies and kittens forever.  Are you prepared to make the commitment to be a responsible pet owner for the next 10 to 20 years (the average life span of many dogs and cats)?

Adapted from the American Humane Association

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HOPE for Animals, Inc. 
P.O. Box 1341
Thibodaux, Louisiana 70302
non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization