How to choose the perfect pet

Congratulations on deciding to bring a pet into your home! It’s a big decision, and the fact that you’re here means you’re not taking it lightly. That’s already a great sign. While it’s true that any pet will require you to add new responsibilities, habits, and routines to your life, the perfect pet for your family is one that fits in as naturally as possible with your lifestyle. If you’re stuck choosing between a cat or a dog, a senior or a young pet, or even furry or scaly, here’s a few criteria to narrow it down.

Factors to consider when deciding “what pet should I get?” 

Each one of the following factors often influences the next, and vice versa. Make the most informed choice by considering each on its own and holistically.

Your family

One of the most important factors in choosing the right pet is who lives in your home with you. The perfect pet for a single person could look very different from the perfect pet for a large family. You’ll need to consider the personalities, schedules, and responsibility levels of everyone in your household to assess which type of pet will be the perfect fit.

And don’t forget medical concerns! Pet dander is one of the most common types of allergies and can trigger hay fever symptoms or skin conditions like eczema. Certain pets like amphibians are carriers of microbes like salmonella, which can put people with weakened immune systems like children or the elderly at risk.

How to choose a pet for kids

A good pet for your kids is one that they can treat with respect and care. As a parent, however, you might want to consider their age as a yardstick for how much responsibility they can handle on their own.

For example, very young children might not be best suited for the complicated care associated with species like tropical fish or reptiles — no matter how much they love turtles. Similarly, a college-bound teen might want a puppy and be totally capable of caring for one largely on their own... until it’s time to move into the dorms.

It’s also important to consider whether the pet you’re considering is tolerant of children. Certain pets might not mind a toddler that’s learning how to pet gently, and others may need more respect of their boundaries.

Average lifespan

Everyone wants to bring home a pet that they can love for the long term. It’s meaningful to consider the average lifespan of the pet you’re considering, which can vary drastically depending on their species or even breed. And a short lifespan doesn’t necessarily mean a short emotional attachment.

Difficult conversations about why Nemo the goldfish is “swimming funny” are one thing, but a longer-lived pet will need to be factored into your future planning much like any other family member. The average small-breed dog can live as long as 15 years! You don’t need to have every detail of those two decades figured out, but you’ll need to be committed in your promise to care for your pet.

Living space

You and your pet both deserve to be comfortable in your home together. This means both literal space and emotional space. Is there room for an active breed to run around and play? Is there space for a more introverted animal to get some time alone? If you rent, be sure to check your lease to see what types of pets are allowed before bringing one home.

Evaluate your current living space and where you are in your city or town. It might be less important to have a backyard for a dog if there’s lots of green space nearby, for example. You might also consider how you like to feather your nest; you may need to put away your expensive tchotchkes or rehome potentially toxic plants if you bring home a cat.

Care requirements

Every pet is different, but certain species have different care requirements as a group. Litterboxes for cats, daily walks for dogs, and bedding changes for small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs, and so on. Species like reptiles and fish even require special attention to the chemical composition or temperature of their environment. Birds are extremely sensitive to vapors and fumes that can come from scented candles and nonstick cookware. A pet's care requirements aren’t just about cleanliness or activity levels. What you’re able to consistently provide will directly influence your pet’s quality of life — and your life together. 
 
No matter the species, all pets require veterinary care. You’ll need to plan for the financial and logistical responsibility of seeking regular primary care to keep them healthy. You’ll also want to expect the unexpected, because even the healthiest pet will have an urgent need pop up at some point in their lifetime.

Desired relationship

Every pet parent will want something different from their life with a pet, and it’s up to you to determine what kind of relationship you’re looking for. Maybe you want a snuggly, fuzzy pet to help reduce stress. Maybe you want a pet you can admire from a distance. Are you looking for a companion that will come along on adventures with you, big and small? Or do you want a quiet cuddle buddy waiting for you at home? Take a moment to imagine your ideal life with a pet, then look for the pet that best fits that criteria.

How to decide between a dog and a cat

Deciding between Fluffy or Fido is one of those age-old questions. The truth is that there are plenty of extroverted, cuddly, friendly cats — and just as many introverted and aloof dogs — but there are some appropriate generalizations to consider between the species.  
 
If you’re looking for a highly social companion animal, dogs tend to be the first choice. Cats are more independent than dogs in general, but they’re not plants! They show love and crave social interaction just as much as dogs, but in more subtle ways. That said, cats are usually the choice for people who travel often, work late, or just want a more low-key companion. 
 
If you’re deciding between a cat and a dog, you may also want to think about their daily care responsibilities and what you’re willing to commit to. For example, dogs require daily outdoor activity. If a walk outside in rain, shine, or snow doesn’t sound appealing, a cat might be a better choice.

How to decide between a young pet and an older pet

The age of your pet is a big factor to consider when thinking about adopting a pet. Young pets require lots of energy, attention, and training to ensure they grow up well-behaved and socialized. They also need a lot of veterinary care up front, from initial rounds of vaccines to being spayed or neutered, so they're protected and prepared for adult life.
 
Many new pet parents are concerned when adopting an adult or even a senior pet about a lack of time together. It’s true that you may not have as many years with an older pet as you would with a brand-new puppy or kitten. That said, older pets have behavioral advantages that can increase your quality of time together. On average, they require less training than young pets, which can save you time and energy that you can later spend on them.

How to evaluate a potential pet

Once you’ve decided on the type of pet you’re looking for, it’s time to find your perfect match! But even if a pet meets your criteria on paper, every pet has their own individual personality — just like people. Whether you’re picking a kitten from a litter or an adult dog from the shelter, meeting your prospective pet in person will help you get a read on how they might act at home. 
 
When you first meet a pet you’d like to adopt, pay close attention to their body language. Do they run straight up to you? Are they more reserved? Do they show signs of anxiety, like folded ears or a tucked tail? Consider their environment as well. If they’re surrounded by siblings, or in a shelter environment, they might be more stressed out than they’ll be in your home.  
 
Don’t forget to ask questions! Talking to the rescue staff, foster parent, or breeder currently responsible for your future pet’s care can give you great insight into their habits, quirks, and any potential medical needs.

Lovet is here to help

Now that you’ve picked the perfect pet, it’s time to pick the perfect vet to help keep them healthy and happy! At Lovet, we’ve helped thousands of pets with the quality care they need to thrive in their new homes — and helped thousands of pet parents with financial flexibility for whatever pet parenthood brings. 
 
Want to make primary care easy for you and your pet? Lovet Essentials includes core vaccines, yearly bloodwork and diagnostics, and your choice of a dental cleaning or spay/neuter with one easy monthly payment. Learn more about how Lovet Essentials can help protect your pet’s health and your peace of mind. 
 
DISCLAIMER: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.