Bringing an animal into your home is a serious and joyful commitment. You are adding a new member to your family that you should plan on caring for their whole life. It is important to make the right choice of pet to ensure that you and your family are able to uphold the commitment and properly care for your new family member. Consider these factors to make the right choice: 

1. Cost 

Pets can be expensive. Food, regular check-ups, emergency trips to the vet and other expenses can add up quickly. This will vary between species and specific animals, and things like age and special needs can also factor into the budget needed to adequately care for family pets. Do your research before choosing what animal might be best for you and your family with financial concerns in mind. 

2. Time 

The time demands of pets range from very minimal, with infrequent interaction necessary, to highly demanding, with some animals needing near-constant care or management. Consider factors like how often you will need to feed and water them or if you will need to take them outside to use the bathroom or change their litter.

Life expectancies also vary widely between animals. For instance, guinea pigs often live around five years, while some birds are capable of living for over one hundred years. Be aware of the extent of your time commitment before bringing a new pet into the home. 

3. Space 

If you are renting, there may be restrictions on how many or what kind of pets you are allowed to keep. Even if you own your home, you may be restricted by the amount of space you have to share with your animal. This applies to both indoor and outdoor pets; wherever they will be, make sure the kind of pet you get will be comfortable moving in the area available to them. 

4. Other Pets

If you already have animals in the home, introducing a new pet to the family can be tricky to manage. Make sure to choose species that have a history of being companionable animals if they will be interacting. If you are unsure about whether or not your pet is able to handle the introduction of a new animal, consult with your veterinarian to get help answering this question. 

Ultimately, the pet you bring home depends on what you are looking for in a companion and what kind of money, time, and space you are willing to share. If you are unsure what pet you should get, reach out to Pet Hospitals of Hawaii to discuss what kind would be best for you and your family.