Lifestyle and environment

Tweet Would you have a child without preparing yourself and reading the ‘what to expect when you’re expecting’ books first?

Would you spend thousands of pounds on a brand new car without test driving it first to see which model and brand suits your lifestyle and budget?
Neither would we!

Equipping yourself with knowledge and insight before leaping into the purchase of a pet is vital to ensure you choose the pet best suited to your lifestyle.

Top tip: Test drive your pets!
Visit pet shelters, breeders and pet events such as Discover Dogs, Earls Court, London November 2010 or Supreme Cat Show, Birmingham, November 2010, to see if the pet of your dreams is right for you.

Your lifestyle and environment will help you determine the perfect pet. If you’re someone who enjoys late nights at the pub and finds it hard to get out of bed in the morning, then a dog that requires walking both morning and night may not be ideal. However, if you’re a stay at home parent with children or you work from home, you will most likely have more time to care for a puppy or kitten and give it all the attention and training it requires.

Consider the environment you live in:

- Flat, terraced, semi detached or detached house? Remember, larger animals need plenty of space and may become frustrated and bored in a flat or small house
- Garden or no garden? Dogs and cats prefer having space to stretch their legs, so those without a garden may be wise to consider smaller pets such as rodents or fish
- Is there a common or large park near your house? Those with a smaller property can head to the local park to extend the exercise area for their pets
- Do you live on a busy main road? Roaming cats and flighty dogs do not mix well with motorways – a smaller animal, like a rabbit, might be best for you
- Do you live in a draughty, damp, hot, poorly ventilated or dirty environment? All animals need plenty of space, which is light and warm and their designated areas must be cleaned-out on a regular basis
- Does your landlord allow pets? Make sure you check your tenancy agreement and ask for email confirmation

The most important thing is that your pet is happy and healthy in the environment you provide.

Please tell us what pets you have and how you fit them into your lifestyle and environment…