Congratulations, there’s going to be a new addition to the household! Adopting a dog or cat for the family is a big decision, and the ASPCA wants to help you act with your head-as well as your heart.

Thinking before you bring home that little (or not so little) bundle of joy can save the animal from being returned to the shelter, and can help ensure a long and satisfying life with your pet.

1. Ask everyone in the family to describe their perfect pet.
   
   Discuss their likes and dislikes, so you don’t accidentally come home with an animal who frightens them. Large dogs may be too strong or active for young children, for example, while some people may simply prefer cats over canines. Because a pet that you adopt will become part of the family, it is important that all family members want to bring the pet home.
   
2. If you are getting a pet for your child, it is unrealistic to expect the child to do all the work.
   
   No matter how mature your child is, you will need to provide constant supervision and act as a back-up when your child is unable to handle the responsibility. Ultimately, you are responsible for the pet.
   
3. Make sure your family is ready for the changes an animal will bring into your home.
   
   There will be many new chores to do, and many new adventures to experience! Puppies, for example, need a lot of attention and training. They can end up chewing household items, and do not remain small for long. Cats do best if you keep to the same feeding, grooming and playing schedule every day. Do you and the other members of the family have the time to properly care for a new pet?
   
4. Learn which type of dog breed would best suit you and your kids.
   
   Some breeds are naturally more aggressive or high-strung than others. Breeds such as Labradors and golden retrievers are known to be more even-tempered and will do well with children. Most toy-sized and touch-and-noise-sensitive dogs are not suitable for young children.
   
5. Does anyone in your family have allergies?
   
   If you are unsure about your children, have them spend time in the home of pet-owning friends before bringing home a dog or cat. However, just because a family member does have allergies doesn’t necessarily mean you can not have a pet. Read our online brochure to see if getting a pet is still a possibility.
   
6. Teach your family and kids about the pet before adopting.
   
   Educate yourself and your kids by reading books about pet care and asking pet-owning friends about their experiences. Be sure to explain that chores such as walking a dog several times a day and cleaning the cat’s litter box are part of the ongoing family responsibilities of caring for an animal.
   
7. Young animals and children may not mix well.
   
   Very young children may unwittingly mishandle or hurt puppies and kittens, who are particularly vulnerable to being pulled at, dropped, or picked up inappropriately. Young animals have needle-sharp nails and milk teeth that can hurt youngsters by accident--so please proceed with caution.
   
8. Make sure the pet suits your home and lifestyle.
   
   You may have your heart set on a very large, very active dog, for example, which may not be a good choice if you live in a small apartment. Or perhaps you like the elegant looks of a long-haired cat, but are not so keen on the added responsibility of daily brushing.
   
9. Get your supplies, food and toys BEFORE you bring your pet home.
   
   Not only is this plain old common sense, it reinforces the seriousness of your commitment. And besides, the last thing you want to do is scramble to the store for a litter box and hope that your new cat will patiently wait until you return!
   
10. Divide up the daily chores of caring for the pet, and decide who will do what.
    
    This is a great way to ensure that everyone is involved in the pet’s care, and that the pet fully becomes a part of the family-and, of course, it’s a great way to ensure that no one forgets to walk the dog or that the cat doesn’t get dinner three times in one day.

(Source: ASPCA.org)