The decision to adopt a new pet is a significant one, but after much deliberation, you’ve decided you are ready to open your heart, home, and life to a non-human companion. However, your decision-making isn’t over—with so many species, how can you determine the right pet for you and your family?

Let the Neighborhood Veterinary Centers team simplify your search. Here is our four-step guide to finding the perfect pet.

Step one: Determine what you can offer a pet

No matter how small their stature, pets are an enormous commitment with ongoing needs and requirements crucial for their welfare, health, and comfort. Before you fall head-over-heels for a species or breed beyond your practical means, carefully consider what you can reasonably provide for a pet, which includes:

  • Time — How much time can you dedicate every day to a pet? Consider small and large time needs, such as physical exercise, grooming, husbandry care, veterinary visits, and social interactions.  
  • Labor or energy — Pets are a labor of love. But, if you’re drained after work, will you have time to clean a pocket pet’s cage, take a high-energy dog for a run, or brush a longhaired cat? 
  • Space — Do you have a yard or nearby dog park where you can appropriately exercise a dog? Or, do you live in a concrete jungle highrise with no access to parks or green space? Consider your potential pet’s present and future needs and anticipate whether their needs will evolve with their growth and development. In addition to large- and giant-breed dogs, know that small pets (e.g., reptiles, birds, and small mammals) can grow up to require much larger enclosures.
  • Finances — In addition to the initial adoption or purchase fee, you will have ongoing costs, such as food, treats, veterinary care, grooming, training, daycare or boarding fees, care and cleaning supplies, bedding, toys and enrichment items, pet insurance, and so on. Calculate these annual costs, multiply them by your potential pet’s anticipated lifespan, factoring in inflation, and consider the possibility of unexpected emergencies. 

Step two: Determine what you’re looking for in a pet

Think about why you want a pet. Are you looking for companionship? Entertainment? Protection? Do you want to compete with your pet? Do you want your pet to perform a specific role or job (e.g., guard livestock, work as a service animal)? Does your household include children or elderly family members? Do all your household members agree about adding a pet? What are your personal preferences for your pet’s looks and smells, and how they act and sound? Do you want a pet who is curious, interactive, and craves social engagement, or who is independent? 

Your answers will help you refine your search criteria, remain objective, and allow you to eliminate unrealistic choices without being sidetracked by a pet’s adorable or exotic appearance.

Step three: Research your potential pet

Once you’ve narrowed your search, begin a deep-dive into each potential pet type. Obtain as much information as possible so you have clear expectations about living with and caring for each species or breed. When applicable, begin your research with each species’ or breed’s national organization. For example, if you are interested in collies, begin by reading about the breed on the American Kennel Club website, and then progress to the Collie Club of America. Most national or regional group websites include a member directory and a breeder or rescue referral service that can pair you with a reputable breed or species expert. Getting to know people who live with, work with, or exhibit your potential pet’s breed or species is the best way to learn which is the right fit for you.

Step four: Use reputable resources to find and adopt your new pet

Finally, when you’ve found your match, work with reputable and responsible individuals and organizations to ensure your new pet is healthy, happy, and well-socialized, and that your purchase does not contribute to commercial pet breeding operations (e.g., puppy mills). Reputable sources include responsible breeders in good standing with their national club or organization and who strive to produce healthy pets that meet the breed standard, local humane societies and shelters, and individual fanciers who have a proven, positive impact on their chosen species or breed. Your Neighborhood Veterinary Centers team can provide a list of recommended pet adoption centers, rescue organizations, and responsible area breeders.

If your search for your next pet leaves you with more questions than answers, the Neighborhood Veterinary Centers team can help you find your perfect match. Contact any of our locations for individualized recommendations, experience-based insights, and practical pet care advice.