Sure it’s tempting to take that endearing little kitten or budgie home right now. But hold up hard. There are a lot of things to consider first—animal shelters are full of the results of Not Thinking Things Through. Choose thoughtfully and you will make a decision that will add immeasurably to your family’s happiness.

Lifestyle – Animals can be hard on a house or yard. If you’re a neat freak, fish may be the best choice unless you’re prepared for shedding and pooper-scooping. If you rent, check with your landlord before getting any kind of pet. If you travel frequently, you will need to arrange for reliable care.

Time – Is your family gone all day? Some animals become very lonely and will “act out” unless they have significant interaction with the humans in their life.

Commitment – Pets are forever—and that means as much as 15-20 years for a dog or cat and up to 50 years for a bird. They will need taking care of every day of their lives.

Expense – Upfront costs can be high (purebreds and horses) or low (rescue animals) but you must also be prepared for vet bills, flea medicine, boarding fees when you’re gone, food, litter, cages, aquarium filters…

Activity Level – A dog can be the best thing to get couch potatoes moving regularly, but if you really don’t want to or physically can’t go for regular walks or runs, both you and Fido may be in trouble. The size of the dog has little to do with it. A Jack Russell terrier, for instance, is a high-energy animal.

Maturity – And that applies to both your prospective pets and your kids. Kittens and puppies are a delight, but both will require housebreaking and dogs should always undergo obedience training. Do you have the time and patience, or would a mature pet suit your needs better?

The Humane Society recommends that children should be six years old before getting a pet, but it depends on the child. If your child understands and obeys the word “no” and has reasonable self-control, earlier can work just fine.

The Ick Factor – Want a snake or a lizard? Then be prepared to serve up mice or crickets for dinner. And the owners of outdoor cats may well be presented with a dead critter or two.

Current Pets – Older dogs or cats sometimes take it very badly when a new “friend” is introduced, and the combination of a clever cage-opening budgie and a cat can be disastrous.

The Best Bets
Wild creatures are better off left in the space and freedom of the wild, but the most commonly domesticated pets can be a wonderful choice.

Dogs– wonderful, enthusiastic friends and protectors that will meet you at the door smiling with their whole bodies, and be loyal forever. Need a lot of attention.

Cats – Serene, independent and sometimes playful. Relatively low-maintenance, but require daily care.

Fish – Calming and beautiful. Don’t underestimate the value of aquariums filled with low-cost fish like guppies—buy both male and female guppies and a breeding net to isolate the pregnant female, and your child will have the joy of watching microscopic specks develop into colorful adult fish.

Birds – Fascinating to watch, and good company with their whistling, singing and even talking. But remember, don’t smoke or use Teflon pans or scented oils and candles around them—they have extremely sensitive respiratory systems.

Spiders and Snakes and Lizards – An excellent choice for people with allergies to dander. Choose carefully: some can grow enormous. Burmese pythons that have been released by overwhelmed owners have become an invasive species in Florida’s Everglades.

Rabbits, Gerbils and Hamsters – Cute and cuddly and little—a few individuals will bite, however, so be careful to pick a sweet one. Hamsters are nocturnal and could keep your child awake at night with scrabbling and squeaky wheels: rabbits don’t like to be kept in cages 24/7; entertaining gerbils like to chew.