How to Choose a Pet

Fish and Other Aquatic Pets

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   Think about getting an aquarium. Choose an aquatic pet if you enjoy a tranquil pet that does not require constant physical interaction. Beware that not all fish are easy to care for. Some fish types will live happily in a low-maintenance aquarium or pond, whilst others like goldfish, can get ill if the pH balance is off. Goldfish are also more susceptible to illnesses like white spot, so make sure to research the species you want before you set up an aquarium. Fish are often thought to have a calming effect: simply watching them swim around may help reduce anxiety and stress.
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   Make sure that you have space for an aquarium. Most aquatic pets need a tank at least as large as five gallons, with an extensive filtration system. Consider whether you can commit to regular aquarium-cleaning sessions. Cleaning an aquarium requires you to clean out pumps and filters, wash the entire structure of the tank, and prepare good-quality water for your aquatic pet to live in.

   • Most fish need plenty of space to swim around. The larger the fish (and the more fish), the larger the tank you'll need. Research the tank size requirements for any aquatic creatures that you're thinking about getting.
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   Research the various types of aquatic pets. Choose between freshwater or saltwater fish; low-activity animals like starfish; shelled creatures like crabs and sea snails ; or even less common pets like eels and shrimp. Read about various aquatic creatures, their needs, and the feasibility of keeping them.

   • Consider recreating a specific aquatic ecosystem. Read about which fish to put together in a tank. You don't want your creatures to fight, eat each other, or compete for resources!
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Birds

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   Research common pet birds. Consider an avian pet if you'd like an intelligent, life-long partner in crime. Birds are by far the longest living domesticated pet. Large birds can live for decades while smaller birds can live up to two years. They are also highly intelligent and are easy to care for. They don't require much attention from you but will need environmental stimulation through toys or interaction with you. Birds can also be very nurturing and even show empathy. Before considering an avian pet, you should ask yourself a few questions:
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   Make sure that you have enough space for a cage. The larger the bird, the larger the cage it will need. Certain birds—especially, but not limited to, birds of prey&mash;need plenty of opportunities to fly around and stretch their wings. Consider the ethical implications of keeping a bird in a cage, and decide whether you'd ever be able to let it fly free.
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   Be aware of the time commitment. Some birds can live for multiple decades, and you shouldn't adopt a long-lived bird unless you're prepared to care for it. Some birds, especially large parrots, have long life spans. African Grey parrots, for example, live an average of 50 years. Budgies, on the other hand, only live 5 to 15 years. Don't choose a bird that you're not willing to make a lifetime commitment to. ^[1]

   • On a more regular scale, you'll need to commit to regular cage cleaning and bird grooming. Cages need to be cleaned weekly, and birds should be misted every few days. They also need at least several hours a day of interaction with a human.
   • A lone bird can get bored easily. It can develop bad habits of over-grooming and over-eating which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Toys and appropriate avian companions can help mitigate this issue, but they still require interaction with the family.
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   Be prepared to be vigilant. You'll need a keen sense of observation to get your bird prompt medical attention in the case of an illness. Many avian pets are prey species. As such, they have evolved to not show signs of illness until the problem becomes deadly.
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Reptiles

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   Think about getting a reptile. Understand that having a reptile as a pet is very different from keeping a mammal or any other domesticated pet. You'll need to have extensive knowledge about your pet: everything from adaptation, behavior, and the environment, to nutrition, camouflage, and reproductive strategies. You'll also need to research any laws regarding the particular species in your state. ^[2]
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   Understand the risk. Are you prepared to care for a pet that could be dangerous to you? Reptiles like some snakes and lizards can become dangerous if not properly handled. Some of these creatures—particularly venomous reptiles, or large and predatory reptiles—can pose a real risk to you, your family, and your other pets if they get loose. This is your responsibility.
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   Prepare to meet the needs of a reptilian pet. Reptiles are coldblooded, mostly carnivorous creatures, and you will need to cater to various environmental requirements. Make sure that you know what it means to care for a reptile!

   • Make sure that you're able to cater to the dietary needs of your reptile. Most reptiles are carnivores or omnivores, and will need to eat other animals like mice, crickets, rabbits, and birds. You can usually find these foods already killed and prepared at a local pet store, but some reptiles may require live food.
   • Understand the thermal needs of your reptilian pet. Reptiles are coldblooded and will need an environment that is warm, enclosed, and properly sized. This can become an expensive endeavor, and it is known to surprise new reptilian owners. Since reptiles can be purchased quite cheaply, people are unwilling to spend money to meet their very specific needs.
   • Consider whether you're ready to care for a reptile for many years. Some reptiles can live for up to 40 years – or even as much as 100 years.
   • Make sure that you have enough space. Snakes and some lizards can grow to very large sizes (over ten feet long), whilst others stay very small (under one foot long), so once again it is important to decide what type you want before you set up an enclosure.
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Rodents

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   Care for a pet rodent. This can be a great option if you want an active, small, and relatively inexpensive pet. Common pet rodents include hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice, gerbils, and chinchillas. Beware that some rodents, like guinea pigs and rats, cannot live on their own and will need an either same sex or neutered companion. Other rodents, like hamsters, live best on their own. Research the different rodents to see if the one you want will need a friend. Some rodents (such as mice and rats) can even be trained to follow commands and perform tricks. ^[3]
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   Check whether you have space for a cage. Many rodents need quite large cages, for instance rats need a minimum of 2 square feet per rat, according to the ASPCA. Cages can also get quite expensive, so building your own is a common endeavor.
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   Understand the time commitment. You'll need to commit to the daily and weekly upkeep of your rodent's cage. Cages need to be deep-cleaned regularly, and litter boxes must be emptied out daily.

   • Are you ready to care for a rodent that may live up to three years? For some, three years can be a long time. For others, three years is much too short. The grief of losing a pet is inherent to the joy of owning a pet. ^[4]
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   Learn how to handle rodents. Some rodents like mice, hamsters, and rats are quite fragile and need careful handling. That means learning how to properly hold and pick up your pet while avoiding injury to it.
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Cats and Dogs

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   Consider getting a dog or cat. These large, social, mammalian pets can be a very rewarding choice if you are able to give them a lot of attention. Cats and dogs are the most popular type of pet. They are also typically very social and high-energy, and they more attention than almost any other domestic animal. Understand what it means to own a dog or a cat.
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   Gauge your access to the outdoors. Dogs need to be outside, and an enclosed yard can greatly benefit the quality of life for your dog. Large dogs, especially, need regular physical activity in order to stay healthy. ^[5] Cats can also go outdoors, and a safe neighborhood or enclosed yard can meet their needs. Factor this availability into the type of dog or cat that you adopt!
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   Make sure that you can provide a stable and nurturing home. Certain breeds of dogs develop behavioral problems if left alone for extended periods of time. The top reason for aggression found in cats is caused by boredom or lack of environmental stimulation.

   • Who will look after your pet when you go away for a while? Check for the availability of boarding kennels and pet sitters in your area, if you do not have friends or family who are willing to care for your pet when you are away. If you're out of the house a lot, a dog or cat may not be the right pet for you.
   • Do you move around a lot? Dogs and cats can become stressed if they are moved from home to home. This can cause long term behavioral problems.
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   Understand the commitment. Ask yourself whether you're ready to care for a dog or cat for more than 10 years. Dogs and cats can live up to an average of 15 years, depending on breed. Some dogs and cats have been recorded to live for as long as 25 years. On a smaller scale, dogs and cats require regular and intensive interaction with humans or other dogs and cats. ^[6]

   • Most dogs have to be walked everyday, and have to go outside to relieve themselves. Cats also need plenty of exercise and social interaction. ^[7]
   • Are you getting an adult pet or a young pup or kitten? If it's the latter, make sure the baby is old enough to be separated from the mother. Younger animals need a lot of care and affection. Keep in mind, that they require more nurturing and a lot of looking after. This means major time commitment on your part.
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   Look over your budget. You'll need to pay for food, toys, and health products. You may need to front additional costs like obedience training, grooming, and medical care. ^[8]

   • Can you pay for obedience training? Having an unruly animal can play havoc with your life. Even if you decide not to attend a formal obedience program, you should be prepared to doing some reading and apply necessary discipline for basic training.
   • Bigger animals are going to cost you more in the long run since they eat more food and may have larger vet bills. ^[9]
   • Can you afford yearly vet bills and unexpected vet bills from accidents or illnesses? Surgeries and emergency medical procedures can cost thousands of dollars. ^[10]
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