Instructions
Ask yourself why you want a pet. Some people want pets to play and exercise with, whereas others simply want friends to relax and spend quality time with. If you want an active pet, consider buying or adopting a golden or Labrador retriever, boxer or almost any breed from the sporting or terrier group. If you want more of a companion dog, consider choosing a small dog, such as a poodle or a bichon frise. Some cats are quite active and enjoy going for walks or car rides, however, there is not a breed that is specifically known for its high activity levels --- you will need to spend time with the cat to determine how much it will participate in.
Figure out how much time you are able to devote to the pet. Puppies and kittens generally require more time and energy from their owners than adult pets. Adult cats generally enjoy about an hour or so of play every day, along with petting time. Dogs usually require more from their owners, as they need to be exercised and let outside every day. Active breeds usually need more exercise than toy breeds do, and senior dogs might need more help getting around. If you do not have much time to spend, consider getting an adult cat or middle-aged dog. If you plan on devoting plenty of attention and energy, however, a puppy, kitten, active dog or senior pet might be a good choice for you.
Calculate how much money you can spend on a pet. Most dogs or cats require a good amount of monetary support from their owners, as they need food, regular veterinary care and other basics, such as litter boxes. However, some pets require more costs than others. For instance, dogs and cats with long hair, such as Shih Tzus and Persians, will require more grooming than pets with short hair. Unless you can bathe, brush and cut your pet's hair yourself, you will need a groomer to do the job for you about every eight weeks, depending on the pet. All dogs and cats should be spayed or neutered --- unless you plan to breed them --- and you will likely need to pay for that expense, depending on the age of the pet and where you obtained it. Some animals already come spayed or neutered, whereas others, such as puppies and kittens, usually aren't.
Spend time with the potential pet once you have decided which is best for you. You never know how the pet's personality is or how it will respond to you unless you spend some one-on-one time with it. Trust your instincts as to whether the pet is right for you.
How to Select a Dog or Cat for a Pet
Choosing a dog or cat is a big responsibility, as this pet will likely be a part of your life for many years. The breed of the cat or dog, along with its age and personality, should all be taken into account when considering which pet to take in. In order to make sure you have chosen the right dog or cat for you, you must do some homework and trust your instincts.