Considerations to make when choosing your first pet

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Choosing your first pet can be a great addition to your life.

They can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, ease pain, improve mood, and increase socialization. But before you head to the animal shelter or pet store to adopt a new companion, there are some careful considerations you should make to help you determine which pet is best for you and your lifestyle. Some major concerns when choosing your first pet include living arrangements, whether or not children are present, and if you have allergies.

Pets for Apartments and Small Houses

Living space is often one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing a pet. It can help you determine which type of pet to get, as well as which breed to select. The size of your space, available outdoor areas, and rules and restrictions from the property owner are important factors. Some pets can be too large or too active, while others can be too noisy for apartment life.

Most reptiles and small rodents are fairly easy to maintain, not noisy, and don’t leave their cages. Birds are good choices, but some types are noisier than others. Cats are popular pets for apartment dwellers. They groom themselves, and they don’t need to be walked. Cats aren’t confined to the floors because they climb furniture, windowsills, and other vertical areas, so the space can feel even larger to cat than a dog.

Many dog breeds do well in an apartment. Most small breeds are good choices, such as the Pug, King Charles Spaniel, and Yorkshire Terrier. Even some large breeds –like Great Danes and Greyhounds – are fairly lazy, so they function well in apartments. No matter which breed you select, you must have a place for the dog to exercise and use the bathroom.

Pets for Kids

For a child, pet ownership can be a rewarding experience that’s full of learning opportunities about responsibility, dependability, and patience. A low-maintenance fish is a great first pet for a child. While goldfish are considered the classic choice, they’re not actually low-maintenance. The Betta fish is easy to care for and resilient. Even insects, crabs, and shrimp can be pets.

Certain species of reptiles are fun and easy to keep, but ensure your child is old enough to handle reptiles, as some can easily transmit salmonella. While birds require more attention than fish or reptiles, they’re social, intelligent, and affection. Parakeets and Canaries tend to be easier to care for than Cockatiels and Cockatoos.

Small rodents are good choices and are relatively easy to raise. Cats and dogs are classic and popular choices for good reasons. However, they typically require the most attention, commitment, and money. If you don’t want to commit to 10 to 20 years but still want to love a cat or dog, consider becoming a foster parent.

Pets for Allergies

When you really want a pet, it can be disheartening to have an allergy. The pet’s dander is typically the issue, but proteins in the saliva and urine can also cause problems. There are ways to lessen or rectify a pet allergy, or you can also choose a hypoallergenic pet.

If you had your heart set on a dog, opt for a Portuguese Water Dog, Bichon Frise, or a Poodle. These breeds don’t shed a lot, their coats make it difficult for dander to escape, and they require frequent grooming, which helps eliminate dander. Cat lovers can select a Devon Rex cat. These cats lick less because they have less fur. Cats’ saliva contains proteins that cause allergies in many people, so the more they lick, the more they aggravate allergies. Sphynx cats are hairless, so no licking. However, they’re anything but low-maintenance.

Hamsters and gerbils produce dander, but since they’re small and remain in cages, many allergy sufferers can still keep these rodents. Snakes, frogs, fish, and turtles are all dander free pets. Birds produce dander, but Parakeets and Cockatiels have low amounts. Cockatoos and African Gray Parrots have the most.

Pets provide social, emotional, and even physical benefits. There’s no denying that they can be a great addition to your life. However, to ensure the relationship between you and your pet is a success, carefully select a pet that fits your lifestyle and family.