Pets bring joy and unconditional love to our lives. They are cheerful companions who are always happy to see us. But having a pet is a lot like having a child and you should consider the responsibilities and commitment before you decide to add a pet to your household.

Time

Dogs can live 8 to 15 years or longer; cats can live over 20 years. Are you prepared for this?
Do you have the extra time now to raise & train your pet properly so it does not develop bad habits?
Is your living situation stable or is there a chance you might move somewhere that doesn't allow animals?
Will you have time to spend with your pet on a daily basis for its entire life?
Are you willing to spend the time it takes to keep your pet properly groomed and trained?
If you have other pets, will you have individual time to spend with each one of them?
Who will look after your pet if you go away on vacation or business?

Nutrition
Good eating habits are essential to good health. Be prepared to provide a properly balanced diet for each of your pet's life stages.
Table scraps and treats do not provide adequate nutrition for dogs and cats, and may encourage bad behavior and finicky eating habits.
Never switch your pet's diet abruptly ' this can cause stomach upset. Contrary to popular belief, most pets do not get 'bored' with the same food and do quite well if their diets are kept consistent. If a change is necessary, it is best to gradually start mixing the new type of food with the old so that the pet's system has time to adapt.
Not all pets have good appetite control. Be prepared to control your pet's portions to prevent obesity, which can lead to fatal health problems.
Training

Both dogs and cats should be trained to develop good habits early in life.
Early housebreaking and litterbox training requires more time, but pays off in the long run.
Teaching your pet good manners makes life less stressful for your pet and those around him/her.
Be very consistent so that your pet does not become confused. Develop a routine so that your pet knows what to expect and when.
Read a good book and/or attend a training class to learn proper techniques to train your pet.

Exercise

Exercising your pet daily promotes good mental and physical health., and provides quality time for you to bond with your pet.
Walking, jogging, or playing fetch are great activities for dogs. Avoid tug-of-war, which can encourage aggressive behavior. Do not play tag with your dog ' you want your dog to come when you call, not run away playfully.
Housecats need daily exercise, too. Some cats will play fetch, while others entertain themselves with various toy. Attaching a toy to a string or pole allows you to play with your cat. Many love to chase the red dot from laser penlights, but be careful never to shine the light directly into your pet's (or anyone else's) face.
Do not allow cats to play with strings or fringed objects. String can be very dangerous if swallowed.
Playing with your cat in the evening will satisfy the urge to hunt and put an end to those 3AM romps across your bed.

Hygiene

Regular brushing removes tangles, dead hair and debris, and stimulates circulation in the skin.
Unless your pet has a medical condition requiring frequent baths, do not bathe more than once every 6-8 weeks. Doing so can dry your pet's skin and cause itching and dandruff. Always use a gentle shampoo formulated for your species of pet.
Inspect your pet's ears regularly. Many dog breeds require routine cleaning with a safe solution, and some require hair removal from the ear canals. Cats can also develop ear infections from moisture, bacterial growth, or ear mite infestation.
Regular dental care can prevent many health problems. Check your pet's teeth regularly for tartar buildup, bad breath, wear spots or fractures. Consider feeding a diet formulated for dental health, and brush your pet's teeth several times weekly using enzymatic toothpaste formulated for pets.
Trim your pet's toenails once each month to prevent overgrowth. Provide a scratching post for cats. Housecats should have their toenails trimmed regularly but will still use a scratching post for exercise. Cats that go outdoors should be allowed to keep their claws intact for climbing and defense.

Preventive Health Care

Most of the expenses of pet ownership occur when the pet is very young or very old. Be prepared to take care of your pet through all stages of life.
Give your pet a good start. A physical exam should be performed as soon as it comes home, and any health problems detected should be immediately discussed with the breeder.
Routine vaccine series and deworming should be part of your initial budget.
Spay/neuter can be performed as soon as your pet has finished its vaccine series. Spaying or neutering at a young age helps prevent diseases like breast cancer, testicular cancer, and prostate problems. Younger animals heal faster and are less likely to develop sexually-related behaviors like urinary marking, territorial fighting, and roaming in seek of a mate.
Every pet should have an annual check-up. Pets age faster than humans, so going to the vet once a year is like going to your doctor once every 5 years. Older pets may require more frequent exams.
Vaccines should be boostered as recommended to be sure your pet is protected against infectious diseases.
If you plan on breeding your pet, be sure to research breed-related problems and have your pet and its mate screened prior to breeding. Pay close attention to pre-natal care, know what to expect in the normal birthing process, and have funds available in case of complications during or after pregnancy.

Care during illness or injury

Think ahead! Many medical problems can be easily prevented. Do not allow your dog or cat to roam unrestrained. Keep all potentially toxic substances locked in safe enclosures. Keep houseplants out of reach. Be sure your pets only have safe toys to play with. Always check behind your vehicle before backing down the driveway. Take a good look around your home from your pet's perspective: if you were a dog or a cat, what might you get into?
In case of an accident, handle your injured pet carefully ' even the gentlest pet may bite or scratch when in pain. Call ahead to alert your vet that you are bringing in an emergency. Keep your pet warm and do not hold in a manner that may restrict its breathing. Put direct pressure on any bleeding wounds if the pet will allow it.
In case of an illness, keep in mind that the longer your pet is sick, the longer it will likely take to recover. Do not delay seeking treatment if you suspect a medical problem.
Be prepared for the expense of medical treatments. Take out a health insurance policy for your pet, and/or keep a savings account or open line of credit to pay for medical care when needed.