Maybe you've just seen a plea from a local rescue featuring an irresistible kitten. Maybe your neighbor is moving away and needs to rehome their dog, and you've always liked that dog. Maybe you've always wanted something more unusual, such as a snake, an iguana, or a ferret. Whether you're considering taking over the care of your grandmother's bird as she moves into assisted housing or the kids won't stop begging for a puppy, the decision to get a pet is an important one. It's one many people make impulsively, but bringing an animal into your home is a big commitment. You should consider the below points.

Do You Have the Time to Dedicate?

Different types of animals require different levels of commitment. Puppies, for example, will require a lot of time. They need to be house trained and may need varying levels of additional play depending on their breed and temperament. Dogs of all sizes need exercise although a small one may be able to get plenty indoors. Kittens and cats are more independent, but don't make the mistake of thinking they don't need regular interaction with you. They do get lonely although a bonded pair can help keep one another company. Other types of animals will have different demands as far as time goes.

You should also consider their typical lifespan in terms of your life plans. If you're currently childless but plan to have children, will your pet do well around them? If you're hoping to move overseas or to a small apartment in a big city in the next few years, it's probably not the right time to get a big dog. If you are often out of town, is there someone who can take care of your pet?

Can You Afford Vet Care?

Even if your pet lives a long and healthy life, they will need vet care from time to time. That might just be the occasional checkup, but you need to be able to afford care if they become injured or seriously ill. You may be surprised to learn that vet care can run into the thousands of dollars, and some vets will only take up-front payment. It can be heartbreaking when your pet needs expensive care, and you don't have the money for it.

You can prepare for this with a financing company, which offers more 0% APR for clients and more clients approved for financing. With Cherry payment plans, you ensure that you get your pet the care they deserve. You can spread costs up to $35,000 over as long as 60 months with smaller monthly payments.

Is Your Living Space Adequate?

Have you got the right space? Whether you need room for a snake's terrarium, you're hoping to build a catio so that your indoor cat can enjoy some outside time or you want a backyard that your dog can run around in, make sure your space is right. You should also be animal proofed. Some houseplants are poisonous for cats. Playful kittens and boisterous dogs can break fragile items. Your home environment needs to be conducive to keep both you and your animal safe and happy. In addition, if you're a renter, make sure that you are allowed to have your pet in the first place. If you're considering an unusual pet, make sure it's legal to own it.

Do You Have the Knowledge?

You don't need to be an expert in any kind of animal to give it a loving home. However, you should know what kind of care is needed. Some types of animals require specialist knowledge and care. For example, if you have an iguana, you will need to monitor temperature and humidity in its enclosure.

Is Your Household Ready?

How do the other members of your household feel about getting a new non-human companion? Do you have young children, and if so, how will they do? Consider as well whether anyone has allergies. What about existing pets? Make sure that all the humans are on the same page. Even if you want an animal very badly, it's not fair to bring it into the home if other members of your household are opposed to it.

What Are Your Wants?

What are you looking for in your furry, feathered or scaly companion? Do you want a cat or a small dog that will snooze on your lap? Are you hoping for a hiking companion? Do you want your child to learn about the responsibility of taking care of another living thing? Maybe you're willing to adopt a hard to place senior. This can mean less time together and higher medical costs, but an older cat or dog can be a loving companion that is far less trouble than a younger one. Ultimately, the well-being of the creature you've chosen should always come first, but you should also try to choose one that will be compatible with what you're looking for in the first place.