As you know, my career is built around pets. If people didn’t have pets I would be out of a job, but my dedication to this topic is much more than that. I have seen firsthand the benefits that pets can bring to people. The bond that exists between people and their pets is a strong one that can help alleviate stress, reduce blood pressure, give purpose to life and help teach responsibility to children. I can’t imagine my own life without the companionship of a pet. Having said that, owning a pet is not for everyone. A pet is a commitment for their lifetime and ownership is not to be taken lightly. Pets are living beings who deserve not only the basic necessities of life but also attention and affection. Not every pet will fit into everyone’s lifestyle, so how do you choose the best pet for you?

There are a few things you need to consider: How much time do you have? How much space do you have? Are there limitations within your family such as allergies? How much money are you able to invest not only in acquiring your pet but also for care throughout its life? What type of relationship are you looking for in a pet; a pet who will sit on your lap, one with whom you can play outside, or one you can watch from a cage?

I have included a list of a few common pets below. This list is by no means inclusive so please don’t be offended if you don’t see your pet here. If none of these pets are what you are looking for keep researching the right pet for you may still be out there. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions about choosing the right pet for you.

This is just a quick overview of the most popular pets. Please be sure to research the pet of your choice in more detail before making a commitment.

 

 

Dog:

As a veterinarian, dogs are the most common pet that I see. They make wonderful companions and fit into most active lifestyles.

 

Time Commitment: Dogs need a lot of your time. They need to be exercised, socialized and played with daily. If you don’t have at least a few hours every day to commit to a dog, then this likely isn’t the pet for you.

If you travel, you will either need to find places that will accommodate your dog, find a friend or family member to care for your dog while you are away or board your dog at a home or facility.

Average lifespan: 10-13 years. Larger breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than this and some dogs have been known to live for as long as 24 years.

Space Commitment: Dogs need daily exercise. They may be able to live in relatively small spaces (depending on the breed) but they do need to be taken out to get plenty of daily exercise. Be sure to consider the breed when thinking of the space you need.

Allergy Concerns: There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog but some breeds do tend to result in fewer allergy symptoms than others. You can talk to your doctor or veterinarian about breeds that may be less allergenic. If your allergies are severe it is probably best to consider a different pet.

Financial Commitment: Relative to other pets, dogs tend to be more expensive. The initial price of a dog varies depending on many factors. I recommend that you do your research when purchasing a dog. How are the sellers justifying their price?

 

After the initial purchase of a puppy, you will need to consider, food, treats, collars, leashes and other accessories, toys, a crate and/or bed, puppy school and training, dog walkers, doggy daycare, boarding etc.

You will also need to consider veterinary bills such as spay/neuter, vaccinations, blood and stool samples, and parasite prevention. These are routine costs and if your dog becomes sick veterinary bills can quickly rise. It is a good idea to consider the cost of pet insurance if you are concerned about veterinary costs.

 

Expected Relationship: Dogs are loyal companions. They want to please you and usually want to be wherever you are. They crave attention and will often actively seek it. They can come with you on many outdoor excursions and become a very large part of your life.

Other things to Consider: If you feel that a dog is a right choice for you, it is also important to consider the breed. Each breed has its own individual characteristic suited to different lifestyles.

 

 

Cat:

Cats are the second most common pet I see in veterinary practice. They also make great companions but tend to be a little more aloof and independent than dogs.

 

Time Commitment: Like dogs, cats also need individualized attention and daily exercise. However, many cats are still happy if you leave them alone for longer periods of time.

Average lifespan:13-17 years.

Space Commitment: Although cats may require less space than dogs, it is important to remember they still need exercise. Be sure to take this into account when choosing a cat.

Allergy Concerns: Cats can be a common allergen. Before purchasing a cat it would be a good idea to be sure you or your family members are not allergic.

Financial Commitment: The initial cost of a cat can range from free to much more. Generally, cats are less expensive to feed than larger pets.

 

After the initial purchase of a kitten, you will need to consider, food, treats, collars, litter box, and other accessories, toys, a bed, boarding etc.

You will also need to consider veterinary bills such as spay/neuter, vaccinations, blood and stool samples, and parasite prevention. These are routine costs and if your cat becomes sick veterinary bills can quickly rise. It is a good idea to consider the cost of pet insurance if you are concerned about veterinary costs.

 

Expected Relationship: Cats can be independent but will crave your attention as well. It is important to be sure you have time to dedicate to them. 

Other things to Consider: Outdoor cats get more exercise but keeping your cat inside eliminates many risks to their health and lives.

 

 

Rabbit:

Time Commitment: Similar to cats. Rabbits are social animals. Even though they are kept in a cage they will need to be handled frequently for socialization and exercise.

Average lifespan: 8-12 years.

Space Commitment: Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits can be housed in a cage, keeping them safe and secure. Rabbits need room to move around within their cage so they will need a larger cage than smaller pocket pets. It is a good idea to allow your rabbit to roam free throughout your living quarters with supervision and be sure to rabbit-proof because rabbits chew on everything!

Allergy Concerns: Most rabbits, long and short-haired, will shed and are highly allergenic so if you have any concerns be sure to consult with your doctor first.

Financial Commitment: The initial cost of a rabbit can range from free to much more. Generally, rabbits are less expensive than larger pets.

 

After the initial purchase of a bunny, you will need to consider, food, treats, cage, litter box, bedding, hay and other accessories, toys, boarding etc.

You will also need to consider veterinary bills such as spay/neuter, stool samples, and parasite prevention. These are routine costs and if your rabbit becomes sick veterinary bills can quickly rise.

 

Expected Relationship: Rabbits are social animals and tend to form tight bonds with their caregivers.

Other things to Consider: Where you will keep your cage?

 

 

Ferret:

Time Commitment: Ferrets are curious, social creatures who require lots of playtime. Although they will play with toys, they also need to socialize with you and your family.

Average lifespan: 7-10 years.

Space Commitment: Like Rabbits, Ferrets can be housed in a cage, keeping them safe and secure. They do need large cages with lots of room to move around and hide. It is a good idea to allow your ferret to roam free throughout your living quarters with supervision. Be sure to ferret proof before letting them roam, because ferrets like to nest and collect objects, even from drawers, and they are experts at squeezing into small places.

Allergy Concerns: Ferrets can be allergenic so if you have any concerns be sure to consult with your doctor first. 

Financial Commitment: Ferrets tend to cost more than other small pocket pets, but less than dogs.

 

After the initial purchase of a ferret, you will need to consider, food, treats, harnesses, leashes and other accessories, toys, a cage and bedding, etc.

You will also need to consider veterinary bills. Most ferrets are already spayed or neutered but will require vaccinations and parasite prevention. These are routine costs and if your ferret becomes sick veterinary bills can quickly rise. It is a good idea to consider the cost of pet insurance if you are concerned about veterinary costs.

 

Expected Relationship: Ferrets are intelligent and curious. Their wild counterparts are solitary animals but they will bond with you. Without your attention, they will find their own amusement and could get into trouble.

Other things to Consider: Ferrets can be trained to get along with cats and dogs but may not be suitable companions for other pets. Ferrets also have a musky order, which can be offensive to some people.

 

 

Small pocket pet – Hamster, Guinea Pig, Mouse, Rat:

Time commitment:  These pets may not need as much time as other pets but you will still want to have time to interact with them. Consider if your pet is more active in the day or at night.

Average Lifespan: 1-6 years depending on species.

Space Commitment: Small pocket pets are generally housed in cages to keep them safe. They will need interaction outside of their cages to provide them with necessary exercise and socialization. Make sure that their cage is large enough and provides enough stimulation with toys, etc.

Allergy Concerns: These pets can be allergenic so if you have allergies it is a good idea to discuss this with your doctor before committing to these pets.

Financial Commitment: Small Pocket pets tend to be less expensive than other pets. Generally, these pets are less expensive to feed than larger pets.

 

After the initial purchase of a pocket pet, you will need to consider, food, treats, cage, bedding, hay and other accessories, toys, boarding etc.

You will also need to consider veterinary bills if your pet becomes sick.

 

Expected Relationship: As with any pet, the more interaction you provide the stronger your bond will be.

Other things to consider: Where will you keep their cage? Is your pet nocturnal or diurnal?

 

 

Reptiles:

Time Commitment: The majority of reptiles, by nature, are solitary animals but they do need to be handled for a few minutes daily so they become accustomed to human contact.

Average lifespan: variable depending on species.

Space Commitment: Reptiles are normally housed in cages. When selecting a reptile cage, keep in mind how easy it is to clean, the comfort of the animal, and the security of the animal. As the animal grows you may need to invest in a larger cage and therefore a larger space commitment as well.

Allergy Concerns: Reptiles are less likely to be allergenic than other pets. Reptiles are known to carry Salmonella so be sure proper hygiene is practiced when you have a pet reptile in your house.

Financial Commitment: The cost of reptiles can vary greatly depending on the species.

 

After the initial purchase of a reptile, you will need to consider, food, treats, cage, bedding, heat lamp, thermometer or temperature gauge for the cage and other accessories, toys, etc. Feeding a reptile can become quite costly, especially as they grow.

You will also need to consider veterinary bills if your pet becomes sick.

 

Expected Relationship: As with any pet, the more interaction you provide the stronger your bond will be, keeping in mind most reptiles do not require as much physical interaction as other pets.

Other things to Consider: Always remember, although reptiles are usually bred as pets, they are not quite as domesticated as dogs and cats, so you should always put your safety first when handling your pet. Reptiles are easily stressed by loud noises and excessive handling.

 

 

Fish:

 Time Commitment: Fish require less of a time commitment than many other pets but remember you need to clean out their tank frequently and feed them daily. You need to account for the time spent on maintenance of the tank.

 Average lifespan: variable depending on species.

Space Commitment: Space needed will depend on how many pet fish you have and the size of the aquarium or fishbowl required.

Allergy Concerns: Fish are less likely to be allergenic compared to other pets such as dogs and cats.

Financial Commitment: Fish are generally a less expensive pet than most, but this will vary depending on the type of fish you buy and the required tank, food, etc. specific to that species. After the initial costs of the tank, fish, filtration system, keep in mind there will be ongoing costs for food, cleaning supplies, etc.

 

Expected Relationship: Fish can be very relaxing to watch swimming around.

Other things to Consider: Be sure different species of fish are compatible with each other before housing them in the same tank.

 

 

Bird:

Time Commitment: Birds require your time to maintain a healthy environment for them to live in. They should be handled so they get used to and become comfortable with human contact.

Average Lifespan: Some birds average lifespan can be as short as 3 years for small birds (such as Songbirds) or as long as 80 years for larger birds (such as Macaws).

Space Commitment: Birds are usually kept in cages but should have an area where they can be let out for short periods of time under direct supervision. Some birds tend to be messy, with their bedding and food ending up outside of their cage. There are a lot of hazards around a house for birds so ensure you bird-proof the area before letting your bird out of the cage. Birds are very sensitive to smoke and other strong odours, so remember to keep this in mind when choosing where to keep the cage.

Allergy Concerns: Birds can be an allergy concern for some people (the feathers) but be sure to talk to your doctor before purchasing a pet bird. 

Financial Commitment: After the initial costs of a pet bird, there will be routine costs for grooming such as nail, beak and wing trims. Not all birds will require beak trimming but it may be necessary at some point in time. Regular veterinary visits will ensure your bird is kept in proper condition.

 

Is your house a safe environment for a bird? Do you have other animals? Will they get along with a bird or could they be a potential danger for a bird?

 

Expected Relationship: As with any pet, the more interaction you provide the stronger your bond will be.

Other things to Consider: Birds can be very vocal at times.

 

 

In General, it is a good idea to remember that costs for pets are highest in the juvenile and senior stages of their lives.