Getting your dog
This is where you will need to do your research. It is vital to choose a dog that will fit in best with your lifestyle because not all dogs’ behaviors and temperaments are the same. First, ask yourself a few questions. What size dog is the ideal size for you? What level of activity do you desire in a dog? Do you like long- or short-haired dogs? Do you want a purebred dog or one from a shelter?
After you have answered these questions, your search for the perfect dog will begin. If you want a purebred dog, you need to find a reputable breeder that will ensure his or her puppies are healthy, have visited a vet and received the necessary dog vaccinations. You should obtain your puppy’s health records and registration papers as well as a sales contract that outlines any guarantees upon purchase. If you decide you would like to get a mixed-breed or rescue dog, be sure to locate a facility that is clean and properly cares for its animals. Your new puppy should look clean, healthy, active and be at least eight to 10 weeks old with no eye or nose discharge. Before you retrieve your new furry companion, schedule an appointment with your vet so he or she can examine the puppy to ensure there are no obvious health problems. If you have other pets at home, introduce your new puppy slowly after your veterinarian has made sure he or she is healthy. Your other pets may not be too keen on meeting the new family member, so keep a watchful eye on them to make sure an altercation doesn’t occur. Finally, if there are young children in the house, teach them how to properly handle and interact with your new puppy so they don’t accidently harm or injure him or her.
Getting your dog
This is where you will need to do your research. It is vital to choose a dog that will fit in best with your lifestyle because not all dogs’ behaviors and temperaments are the same. First, ask yourself a few questions. What size dog is the ideal size for you? What level of activity do you desire in a dog? Do you like long- or short-haired dogs? Do you want a purebred dog or one from a shelter?
After you have answered these questions, your search for the perfect dog will begin. If you want a purebred dog, you need to find a reputable breeder that will ensure his or her puppies are healthy, have visited a vet and received the necessary dog vaccinations. You should obtain your puppy’s health records and registration papers as well as a sales contract that outlines any guarantees upon purchase. If you decide you would like to get a mixed-breed or rescue dog, be sure to locate a facility that is clean and properly cares for its animals. Your new puppy should look clean, healthy, active and be at least eight to 10 weeks old with no eye or nose discharge. Before you retrieve your new furry companion, schedule an appointment with your vet so he or she can examine the puppy to ensure there are no obvious health problems. If you have other pets at home, introduce your new puppy slowly after your veterinarian has made sure he or she is healthy. Your other pets may not be too keen on meeting the new family member, so keep a watchful eye on them to make sure an altercation doesn’t occur. Finally, if there are young children in the house, teach them how to properly handle and interact with your new puppy so they don’t accidently harm or injure him or her.

Getting your cat
Choosing a new cat or kitten takes as much research as choosing a new dog. There are many wonderful cats that need love and attention at local animal shelters and rescue groups. If you want specific features or personalities in your new kitten, know that purebred kittens are more readily available now than ever before. If you desire a specific color in a cat, consider the Siamese, Himalayan, Birman or Ocicat breeds. If you want a specific size attribute, consider the Maine Coon or diminutive Singapura breeds. If you’re looking for specific physical features in a cat, consider the tailless Manx or the distinctly eared Scottish Fold or American Curl.
When you get your new kitten, choose a location that is clean and free of offensive odors. Choose a cat that is friendly, eight to 10 weeks old, has no eye or nose discharge and has received the necessary cat vaccinations. Be sure to take care when introducing a new kitten to established household pets. Aquainting a new cat or kitten to other pets in your home can take some time – like several days or even weeks. Do not expect your pets to love your new furry companion at first sight. There may even be some slight confrontation. Allow your new friend to explore his or her new surroundings on his or her own accord. Also, be sure to show any young children in the home the correct way to interact with and handle your new kitten so no one gets harmed in any way.
Getting your cat
Choosing a new cat or kitten takes as much research as choosing a new dog. There are many wonderful cats that need love and attention at local animal shelters and rescue groups. If you want specific features or personalities in your new kitten, know that purebred kittens are more readily available now than ever before. If you desire a specific color in a cat, consider the Siamese, Himalayan, Birman or Ocicat breeds. If you want a specific size attribute, consider the Maine Coon or diminutive Singapura breeds. If you’re looking for specific physical features in a cat, consider the tailless Manx or the distinctly eared Scottish Fold or American Curl.
When you get your new kitten, choose a location that is clean and free of offensive odors. Choose a cat that is friendly, eight to 10 weeks old, has no eye or nose discharge and has received the necessary cat vaccinations. Be sure to take care when introducing a new kitten to established household pets. Aquainting a new cat or kitten to other pets in your home can take some time – like several days or even weeks. Do not expect your pets to love your new furry companion at first sight. There may even be some slight confrontation. Allow your new friend to explore his or her new surroundings on his or her own accord. Also, be sure to show any young children in the home the correct way to interact with and handle your new kitten so no one gets harmed in any way.