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Answers From a Pet Expert - Selecting The Best Pet For You

* Question: What should I consider to decide on the pet that is right for me and my family?

In the first place, never buy a pet on a whim. Bringing a cute kitten or puppy home just because it was too cute to pass up can be a mistake.

A better option is to discuss the matter of pets with your family first. Make a point to consider the following in your discussion: grooming, daily feeding, playtime, personal attention, veterinary care and house training (where applicable). It would also be a good idea to ask each member of the family why they want a pet. It's a good idea to make sure your children understand that a pet is another member of the family, not just another play thing, and that the pet's individual needs should be considered as much as other family members' needs.

Then, review your lifestyle. Say, for instance, you live in a city apartment or work long hours. Then a cat, fish or bird may be considered. If you have a daily routine of jogging or running, then a dog might be appropriate for you.

To get a better idea of the needs of a potential pet, consider talking to breeders and other pet owners. Another good resource is to attend local pet shows and talk to the judges. Go online to search for specific breeds to learn more about the pet you are considering. Of course, it's always a good idea to consider the ages of your children when planning to purchase a new pet. Not only this, but consider the life expectancy of the pet for bonding purposes.

* Question: Which is best - to get a pet from the local animal shelter or from a pet store like PetsMart?

This is really a matter of personal preference. My personal preference is that it is best to find your new pet at a local shelter. Animals at a shelter are well-cared for by the staff and have had plenty of interaction with people. The shelter's staff will tell you about the animals' temperament so that you can find the pet that is best for you. The staff can give you a good idea of which animal loves children and which dog enjoys long walks. Furthermore, animals from a shelter have already been treated with the necessary immunizations, and have been spayed and neutered.

If you decide instead to get a pet from a pet store, be sure you spend time with the store owner about that particular animal's temperament, particulary for dogs, cats and other animals that will have plenty of interacation with a variety of people.

* Question: How should I ascertain the kind of dog that is best for me?

Here are some steps to follow to choose the best dog for you:

- Look for pet guides to learn about a particular dog breed's personality, background and temperament. Surf the internet for online guides that tell you about those kinds of dogs.

- Find a vet to discuss details about the characteristics of the breed you are looking for. Ask questions to understand more about the dog's breed.

- If you decide to purchase your puppy from the pet store, be sure to ask for the dog's status -- for example, the dog's history, physical or behavioral problems as well as anomalies of the breed. If you do not want to use a pet store, you can also find dogs and other animals at your county's animal shelter or through a private breeder.

- Last, but not least, talk to your friends about the various types of dog breeds they have owned.

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Paige Harbold, a pet expert, gives her tips and tricks on themes such as how to Adopt a Pet and where to find the best Large Dog Cages. As editor of Pet-HQ.com, she offers expert pet information. Click here for other unique pets articles.

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