Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Why do you want a pet?
2. How much time do you spend away from home each day?
3. Will your lifestyle and living arrangements be compatible with a pet?
4. If you rent, are you prepared to pay an additional damage deposit or live in another area if you are unable to find affordable housing that is suitable for your pet if you are required to move?
5. Are you really ready to make a lifetime commitment to a pet?
6. Are you financially able to provide for a pet?
7. Do you have the patience required to have a pet?
8. Are you familiar with your local by-laws and provincial or state laws on pet ownership?
9. Are all members in your household in good health, e.g., does anyone suffer from allergies or a physical disability that may make exercising or caring for the pet difficult?
10. Do you have children under the age of 8? (Animal behaviouralists and many breeders, as well as rescue groups and humane societies encourage waiting to add a dog to your family until your youngest child is at least 8 years of age).