Buying a Pet? Ask Yourself These 15 Questions First

Pets are therapeutic. Their snuggles calm your nervous system, their mischievous ways serve up laughter as medicine, and their presence alone transforms your home's energy. Whether you want a scaly reptile, a cuddly mammal, or a bird that serenades you each morning, there are some pet-related questions you need answers to first. There is plenty to love about pets, and they also come with plenty of responsibility (and truth be told — sometimes, it's inconvenient).

Before you decide it's time to commit to buying a pet, consider what is bound to change for you. While having a new pet to come home to alters how you're greeted at the door, it also means that traveling on a whim isn't as easy as when you're pet-less. Your budget changes, too. There are more than a couple of expenses to consider. Having a pet is incredibly rewarding as long as you are realistic about what you can expect when you bring one home.

To put together this list of questions to ask yourself before buying a pet, 247 Tempo reviewed a couple of sources, including the American Kennel Club, which lists the temperament and grooming requirements for certain dog breeds, and the ASPCA, which is an organization that focuses on the prevention of cruelty to animals. (Want to learn more about one particular pet? Next read 10 Things You Didn't Know Pet Fish Can Do.)

There's a wide variety of pets that you can bring home to love and care for. Some are quiet and relatively low-maintenance while others fill your entire home with their expansive presence. Some pets don't require a lot of activity while others make a perfect match for people with active lifestyles. Consider the kind of pet you want. Then consider what they need from you — and be honest with yourself. Are they a good match for the type of life you lead?

You won't need to train some types of pets. A pet snake, for example, requires space in an enclosure. Some pets you need to accommodate, but they don't require training. Other pets, like dogs, require training — starting with potty training. The breed also plays into how easy or difficult training a pup may be. This initial phase requires a commitment. Otherwise, you set your pet up for behavioral issues (and lasting frustrations for you).

It's easy to fall in love with a new pet and fail to consider what bringing them home entails. Some pets are significantly more expensive than others. Consider the basics your pet needs: food and water bowls, food, grooming, toys, enclosures/crates. Does your pet need any vaccinations or surgeries (like a spay or neuter surgery)? There's a lot to consider in terms of expenses, including veterinary care (Pro tip: buy pet insurance).

If you travel frequently for work, you have already considered this in the first question about your lifestyle. Someone who travels infrequently may forget to account for potential travel. Whether it's a much-needed vacation or a sudden trip to visit a loved one who falls ill, you must have a plan in place if you can't take your pet with you. Is there someone you trust who can care for your pet, is there a boarding facility you can count on, or are you able to cover travel expenses for your pet to join you?

New pets are mesmerizing and watching them explore their new surroundings is part of the fun of bringing them home. But pets can be clumsy and have accidents, they can get mischievous and eat things they're not supposed to, and they can get sick. In the case of an emergency, seconds count. Knowing where your nearest 24/7 animal hospital is ensures you can move quickly, no matter the time. Be sure to save their phone number in your phone and give them a call when you're on your way should you ever need their services.

If you're single, doting on a pet comes easy. You and your fur babe settle into the seemingly never-ending honeymoon phase together. But if you get into a relationship, things change. Choosing a partner who recognizes how meaningful your pet is makes for a seamless transition. But if your partner doesn't care for your pet, you can expect your pet to feel that energy (and perhaps betrayal from you). When children are born into a home with pets, it's a transition for them too. Consider your pet in the decisions you make and ensure they remain an integral part of your family as it evolves.

These thoughts may linger in some minds, but most don't think about what happens to their pets if they're unable to care for them any longer. Nevertheless, it's an important question. Put a plan in place with someone who is willing to care for your animals should something render you incapable. Whether that means fostering until a new, loving home is found or taking on the responsibility and welcoming your pet into their home, entrusting your animal companions to someone is crucial. This is especially important if you live alone. In these cases, share a key and an emergency plan with someone you trust so you know your pet is in good hands (even if they're not your own).

Some pets are solitary while others are more social creatures. Consider if you are going to be a single-pet person or if you'd like to invite other animals into the home eventually. If you plan to make your home a forever home for more than one animal, make sure your first pet is good around other animals. Introducing new pets into the home can be a challenging experience depending on several factors, including your pet's temperament and innate preferences. This is also applicable if you have friends with pets and you want to plan play dates with them or just host them at home.

Even if you don't have and don't want children, there's a possibility a niece/nephew or a friend's baby may be a guest in your home. A snarky cat can be dangerous if it doesn't get along with children just as much as a large, clumsy dog presents a hazard if it accidentally bumps into a child. Consider socializing your pet with other people early to ensure they are well-behaved, no matter who stops by for a visit. If you plan to start a family after welcoming a pet into your home, this socializing step becomes increasingly important for your future child's safety.

Pets offer comfort and companionship but they're not a short-term solution for loneliness. Bringing a pet home is a long-term commitment. Before you make the final decision to purchase or adopt, make sure you're making this choice from an informed and committed perspective. Yes, pets look ultra-adorable when presented in a box with a bow during a special holiday, but these are living beings and when you embrace them, they entrust you with their care. Pets eat because of you, have a safe place to lay their heads because of you, and their worlds revolve around you. Only bring a pet home if you're prepared to make it a permanent part of your family.

Pet ownership requires stability in the home. Some pets like reptiles need heat lamps inside their enclosures (which requires electricity) while more common pets like cats are safest when kept strictly indoors. Consider whether your housing situation works for the type of pet you want and ensure you have stability before taking on more responsibilities with a pet. While some pets are adaptable and won't mind if you move every six months, others get stressed and struggle when there's constant change, so stability in your living situation is important. The ASPCA believes that people and their pets belong together and by ensuring stability at home, you can keep nurturing the bond you have with a beloved animal.

Consider your living situation and if it's the right environment for a pet to be comfortable. Some dog breeds are highly excitable and do well when they have plenty of space to run and play. They wouldn't be content in a small apartment without a yard. Even small pets need some space to roam. Take hamsters, for example. They're small and do well in their cages but they also need playtime outside of their cages to roam around the room and do some safe exploring. Hamsters are solitary but if you wanted a guinea pig, you would have to consider having enough space for at least two piggies to hang out together.

In an ideal situation, there are never any behavioral issues to contend with. But the reality is that you're going to encounter some surprises along the way during your time as a pet owner. A cat may scratch up your furniture and a dog may develop separation anxiety, leading to destructive behaviors. Be prepared with a plan for handling behavioral challenges with a pet. Will you seek out a professional trainer for assistance? Will you study beforehand so you're prepared to train and secure your pet for life alongside you? Too many people get pets thinking they'll be a breeze to care for. Then, they throw in the towel at the first sign of difficulty. Be realistic before bringing a new pet home and have a plan in place to support them if they face challenges along the way.

Not all pets require grooming but if you're interested in a long-haired kitty or a curly-coated dog like a poodle, professional grooming is a part of their care. You can handle many grooming requirements at home, including teeth brushing and nail clipping but sometimes, you need the help of a pro. If that's the case for the pet you're eyeing, be sure to calculate grooming fees and fit them into your overall pet care budget.

Some animals (like pet rats) live only two to three years. The commitment is significantly shorter than with a cat, which has a lifespan of up to 18 years on average. A cockatoo can live up to 60 years, and in these cases, you would almost certainly need to have a loved one commit to their care in the case of your passing. The baby stage of animals is incredibly heartwarming but it doesn't last forever. Be sure that you're ready to care for a new pet for the entirety of its lifespan before you open up your heart and home to a new addition. Pets become family, after all. (Curious how long certain dog breeds live? Check out the Dogs With the Shortest Lifespans.)