Three key questions to ask when getting a new pet

1. What kind of pet parenthood is right for me?

“Lifestyle can certainly play a role in deciding who you're going to bring into the home as a pet,” says Ellis. “I’m a firm believer that you can make anything work but you want to make sure that you can meet the needs of the pet.” Consider your living space, your access to outdoor areas, and your daily schedule. All pets require care, time, attention, and enrichment — but some animals need more while others require less.  A dog, for example, will need more of your attention than a pet fish. For some people who travel frequently, work long hours, or have small children that take up a lot of time and energy, a puppy or kitten might not be the right fit. For others, a nocturnal animal (like certain hamster breeds) may not be ideal for families who want to spend time with their pet during the day.  Research the type of pet you’re interested in adopting and make sure you’re able to meet all of their needs. Are you willing to feed your lizard live crickets? Can you tolerate the odd bathroom accident on your carpet? Does anyone in the household have allergies to the kind of bedding a rabbit needs? How much free time can you dedicate to training and enrichment?  It’s important to have conversations with your partner, kids, and/or any other members of your household. Talk to them about your new pet and how everyone will participate in welcoming them into your home and caring for them as a part of the family. “There's lots to consider to make sure that everybody in the household is on board,” says Ellis. “That everybody is committed to caring for the animal and that everyone's going to be consistent with training and house rules.”

2. How important is breed?

If you do decide that a dog is right for you, breed becomes a big factor.  “You need to consider what a pet’s predominant breed characteristics are and does that match your lifestyle, your environment, and what you can provide,” says Ellis. You may not want to get a Border Collie if you live in a very small apartment, or do not lead an active lifestyle, for example. There are some things that all dogs require, like time outside and a fully pet-proofed home, but different breeds will be better suited to different homes.  When you’re choosing a breed (or mixed breed) think about what you want from your experience with your dog: Will they be travelling with you? Will they be around kids or other animals? What kind of diet do you want to feed? How many hours will need to go into training?  Ultimately, make your choice based on how well a dog breed’s needs and abilities line up with the life you plan on sharing with them.

3. Is my home set up for a new pet?

Ellis also shared some great advice on what to get for your new pet before you bring them home.  Make a checklist of your new pet’s must-haves like beds, leashes, collars, litter boxes, crates, dishes, food, treats, and toys. Set them up in your home so that your pet has a space that they’ll learn is their own.  “Pet-proofing the home is something that can take a long time to do,” says Ellis. “You may think you've done a good job until all of a sudden you have an accident.”  She recommends that new pet parents begin by making sure that garbage cans are inaccessible, that cords and wires are tucked away and out of reach, and that cleaning materials and dangerous household chemicals are stored in places where pets can’t get to them.  If you already have a pet and are introducing a new one into your family, explains Ellis, “the key is to be consistent and positive. Never leave anybody alone together if you're not 100% sure that it's going to work out. We always want to get everybody to stay safe.”