Your new pet will require a lifelong commitment from you. Planning and preparation can make the commitment a very rewarding experience. Taking the time to think about your household and lifestyle will help you choose the pet that is right for you.

Shelters see animals given up every day. The reasons most often cited by those who get rid of pets are:

• Moved or transferred; can't keep the pet
• Can't afford the pet (food, vet bills, licenses, etc.)
• Animal strays from home
• Animal jumps, climbs fences or digs holes
• Not enough time to spend with pets
• New baby in the house or too aggressive with kids
• Chewed or scratched household furniture
• Too active or too shy
• Got pregnant or had a litter, too many to keep
• House training or box training problems

There are solutions to these problems. Your vet or the Humane Society are available to help you find solutions so you can keep your faithful friend. Check out the links below to find out more about breeds and behaviors. Visit the library. They have excellent videotapes and books that can help you not only choosing your pet but with training and obedience as well.

Everyone wants a puppy or kitten as a new pet. But consider the following when you are making a decision.

1. With an older pet, you'll know your pet's final size.
2. With an older pet, you'll know your pet's coat type and color.
3. With an older pet, you'll know a little more about your pet's personality, as it will be more developed.
4. Your older pet will be old enough to start obedience training immediately.
5. Your older pet may have already have lived in a household and be housebroken. If not it will be old enough to learn.
6. Older pets are in some ways easier to train as they have a longer attention span.
7. Your older pet can be spayed or neutered immediately.
8. Your older pet will be generally less bouncy and will be more settled and calmer.
9. An older pet will be more appreciative of your love and attention.
10. Children and older pets are better combinations, there is less stress on everyone and less chance of accidental hurts.
11. Puppies and kittens require a lot more attention and maintenance than older animals. It is common for puppies to chew items while teething.
12. Older pets bond just as well as puppies or kittens.
13. Puppies and kittens don't necessarily live longer. Good care and safe environments are more important factors in a pets longevity. Disease and accidents can end any pets life prematurely even puppies and kittens.
14. Most importantly, it is much harder to place adult animals into homes. If you adopt an older animal you will be saving a life.