Are You Ready For A Pet?

Pets can be a wonderful addition to our lives. However, choosing to get a pet is not a decision that can be made lightly. Pets require a commitment, to their care, their health and their well-being, and that commitment is a life-long one. If you're not able to follow through with that commitment, then getting a pet only to have to drop him off at a shelter really isn't fair. To help you decide if you're ready for a pet, take the following quiz:

Check any event that has occurred in your life during the past six months or that you anticipate occurring within the next six months.

___Marriage

___Divorce or other end of a relationship

___Pregnancy, new baby, or expected adoption

___Children younger than 5 years of age present, whether your own or others such as grandchildren who regularly visit

___Move

___Move to a new residence allowing only certain-size pets or a certain number of pets in which the one your are considering would exceed the limit

___Other change in living arrangements, such as a roommate or significant other moving in or out

___Extensive home remodeling or renovation

___Financial concerns

___ Increased responsibility or longer hours at work

___Change in working status, such as retirement or change of job, of a family member

___Graduation from high school or college

___Children leaving or moving back home, particularly with pets or kids

___Significant changes, such as retirement, vacations, or work or school schedules, in family routine

___Vacation or work-related trips within 3 weeks of acquiring new pet

___Frequent travel

___Limited leisure or free time

___Care-taking responsibilities for ill or elderly family member

___Family members with allergies, illness, or compromised or significant health problems

___Death of a family member

___Death of a family pet or lost family pet

___Surrender of a pet to an animal shelter or elsewhere

___Pet to be intended as a gift for a family member who has not been consulted

___Getting a pet on impulse, such as begging children

___Disagreement among family members about getting a pet

___Disagreement among family members about what kind of pet or breed to get

Scoring:

Add 1 point for each check and an additional point for each pet you currently own. If you have 0 to 4 points , it seems like a good time for you to get a pet as your life appears pretty stable. If you have 5 to 7 points , now might be a good time for you to get a pet though you do seem to have quite a few responsibilities. Your best bet may be to adopt an adult cat or adult dog. If you have 8 to 12 points , think twice before you get a pet. You may have too many responsibilities or changes going on in your life to allow you to give a new pet the care and attention that he needs and deserves. If you have 13 or more points , don't get a pet just now as there simply seems to be way too much going on in your life at the moment.

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