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How Long is a Lifetime?

With enough love, your dog or cat should live between 10 and 20 years. Before you take on the responsibility of adopting a pet, ask yourself where you think you might be in 15 years. Will you have to move and if so, can you take a pet with you? Will you get married or have children? Will you be able to afford a pet for the next 15 years? These are all important things to consider in making those precious years happy ones for your pet.

Choosing the right pet

We recommend that you seriously consider whether this is a good time to
adopt a new pet, or what kind of pet would best suit your lifestyle. If
anything in the following list has just happened or is about to occur,
please think twice about introducing a new pet.

	Care-taking responsibilities for elderly or sick relatives etc
	Change in living arrangements
	Change in jobs, more responsibility
	Children leaving or moving back home
	Death of a family member
	Death or disappearance of a family pet.
	Disagreement about adopting a pet
	Divorce or end of a relationship
	Financial worries
	Frequent travel
	Graduation from school or college
	Marriage
	Moving
	Pregnancy or new baby
	Relinquishment of a current pet

Other considerations

	How much time do you normally spend at home?
	Will the pet have contact with children – how many, how old?
	Are there other pets in your life already?
	Do I want an energetic pet – do you really?
	Do I want a pet that will be cuddly and affectionate?
	Do I like grooming?
	Do I mind cleaning?
	Large or small – doesn't necessarily mean easier or less energy!
	Always consider breed traits – do lots of reading!