They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn t realize how much time it took to properly care for them. The monetary costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly. Flea infestations, scratched up furniture, accidents from animals who aren t yet housebroken, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
Many rental communities don t allow pets, and most of the rest have other restrictions.
Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home. If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Problem-free pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you re a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is a wise choice. Adopting a large or energetic dog to share your small apartment, for example, is not a good idea he likely won t have enough space to move around in, and giving him enough exercise will require quite a bit of activity on your part.