New puppies are delightful and kittens are a joy. One snuggle and we are bonded for life. Adopting a pet is a wonderful, happy event, but it is also a commitment. There are important questions to ask yourself and your family before you commit to a lifetime of care.
  Making the big decision to adopt a new pet deserves some research. What is a proper diet? What vaccinations are needed? How will you prevent illness? What training programs are indicated? Do you need pet insurance? What if the new family member develops health problems? Are you really prepared to care for a cat with feline leukemia virus or a dog with separation anxiety? Where do you find the answers?
  Consult with all of the members of your family before deciding on a new pet. You may discover that due to your lifestyle, an adult dog or cat is a better choice for your family than a puppy or kitten.
  Also, you should organize a supply list - things you will need before the pet enters your household. An example of good planning would be to provide one litter pan for each cat in the household plus one extra litter pan. Behavior experts recommend this because it increases the chance a cat will find a clean litter pan when the need arises, therefore avoiding stress and accidents.
  Another example of thoughtful planning is to have the appropriate diet available for your new pet. Today, with the barrage of excellent pet foods available, even experts have difficulty deciding which food is best.
  In preparation for your new pet, you will learn to cat proof or dog proof your home. When left unsupervised, your pet is likely to chew, dig, scratch or eliminate on anything accessible. These are normal pet behaviors. You will want to designate a "pet-safe zone" in your home - an area where you can safely confine your pet when it must be left alone. Perhaps you might consider using a pet daycare facility. Some veterinarians offer daycare services.
  Once you decide to welcome a new pet into your life, you should have a veterinarian examine the animal as soon as possible. Regular veterinary visits are also recommended to maintain your new pet’s health. There is nothing to compare to the joy and contentment of sharing your life with a pet that fits your life style. An improper fit can lead to suffering by you or your pet with the tragic results of broken bonds. Get off to the right start. Make this decision a family decision, and be sure you are financially and physically able to care for your new pet before you make a commitment.
  Another important point to consider when adopting a dog or cat is the expense involved. The initial purchase price occurs only one time and is a minor expense compared to the continual costs.

The cost of owning a dog:
  Veterinary care will typically run from $100-$200 per year, including office visits, vaccinations and medications. First year vaccination costs and spay/neuter will add to this. Food for a dog: $400-$600 per year. Total cost, not including treats, toys, beds etc. for a dog: $500-$800 per year.

The cost of owning a cat:
  Veterinary care will typically run from $100-$200 per year, including office visits, vaccinations and medications. First year vaccination costs and spay/neuter will add to this. Food for a cat: $300-$400 per year. Cat litter: $100-$200 per year. Total cost, not including treats, toys, beds etc. for a cat: $400-$700 per year.