| •
|
What do a typical
day and week look like for you? It is helpful even to
write out a schedule of your day and week, and see where
animal care will fit in. |
| •
|
What are the
rules of your house? |
| •
|
How active is
the house? |
| •
|
How often and
to what extent will you exercise the dog? How often will
you play with the cat or dog, and how rambunctious do
you want the play to be? |
| •
|
Do you have children?
What are their ages? Do they have friends over a lot?
What is their activity level? Will doors, cabinets, or
gates get left open? |
| •
|
Where will the
animal have her “downtime” space (to go when
she needs a break from the activity of the house)? |
| •
|
Do you travel
often? |
| •
|
Do you entertain
often? |
| •
|
Where will the
animal sleep? |
| •
|
What will it
do when you are busy? When you have a party? When you
travel? While you’re at work? |
| •
|
What do you expect
the animal to provide for you and your family? |
| •
|
Does everyone
in the household want the animal? |
| •
|
Can you adjust
your routine to the demands of a new canine or feline
family member? |
| •
|
Who will provide
daily care? Who will provide vacation care? |
| •
|
If you're thinking
about a dog, who will take the animal to training class?
Will everyone in the family go to class? |
| •
|
How much time
will you spend grooming? |
| •
|
How much does
fur bother you (don’t just think about allergens,
but also about fur on the carpet, the furniture, and your
clothes)? |
| •
|
How much money
will you spend on: food; the veterinarian; training; toys;
grooming; boarding? |
| |
|
| |
Next, consider
your needs when choosing a companion
animal |
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