H.J. HALL, D.V.M     (706) 324-0333

Most people spend more time picking out a car that they will drive for three to five years versus choosing a pet that will be an integral part of their lives for possibly fifteen to twenty years. This article will give general advice, recommendations, and suggestions to help make the best choice possible.

First, understand that there is no best breed of pets. There are however, best matches of people and breeds of pets. Some matchmaking considerations include: 1) defining your personal wants and needs; 2) your living quarters and space availability; 3) how much time you have to spend with the pet; 4) financial considerations.

Let's look at some of the above mentioned points in more detail.

I) Your personal wants and needs -you might have grown up with a particular breed of dog or cat your parents had, or you might have always wanted that big, small, spotted, furry, etc. dog or cat. You might need a big dog for protection if you are alone or your house is unattended in your absence.

2) Your living quarters and space availability: Do you have a yard? Do you live in an apartment? Are there children involved? Obviously, a large dog needs more space, where a cat or bird might provide companionship in an apartment setting.

3) How much time do you have? Pets require a time commitment. From a fish aquarium that would take minimal maintenance, to dogs that must be exercised and fed daily -these are important considerations. Cats and birds fall into the relatively low maintenance range, and represent a rapidly growing segment of the pet population for that reason. Will you have time for your pet? Do you travel and are gone for days at a time?

4) Financially, we all know there is no free lunch. Even the stray cat or dog that shows up on our doorstep or is abandoned at our work place will require some basics that involve money. All pets must eat; many have to have obedience training; certain breeds require frequent grooming and brushing. Nearly all animals have medical needs at some point, including vaccines, deworming, surgery, boarding, etc.

All of the points mentioned (and there are obviously more) are factors in responsible pet ownership. Your veterinarian is your best source of information in choosing the right pet.

The veterinarian can help you develop your own list of criteria and begin the process of choosing the right pet that can lead to many wonderful years of pet ownership!