Quick 10 point list of things to consider before choosing which one would be right for you

Want a pet? We don’t want to put you off but you really ought to go through our 10 things to consider before you buy… and five of them are legal obligations!

1 Can you afford it?
It’s not just the initial price of the pet that counts. You’re talking equipment, vet fees (shots, annual boosters etc), food, boarding facilities if you go away. The lifetime cost of owning a dog bought in 2007 stands at just under ?9000 whilst the corresponding figure for a cat is just over ?7200. Pets cost!

2 Getting physical

A big dog needs lots of walking. A rabbit cage needs carrying outdoors to wash. And even a fish tank can be heavy to lift. Think ‘Am I up to this?’ With dogs, you should always check with experts about the amount of walking that a particular breed needs.

3 Time on your hands?

You’re going to need it. Pets need training, which can be very time-consuming and require great patience;. They need to be played with (although that is of course the fun part!) - dogs, parrots and rabbits should never be left alone for long periods. And they need to be kept clean (litter trays and cages are quite demanding). Your proposed pet will give tons of pleasure but it might mean you have less time to put your feet up!

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