When considering a new addition to your family, be honest with yourself and carefully consider your daily schedule and your lifestyle. 

Adoption is a lifetime commitment (+-15yrs) that requires careful consideration and planning.
Do you have the time, finances and planning for both short term & long term?
Have you considered where you’ll be living in the future (think 2 yrs, 5 yrs and 10 yrs ahead)? Can you accommodate your furry family member when you move, if you plan on travelling?  (If you’re leasing, you are expected to have written consent that your body corporate or landlord allow pets on the property.)  Are you a busy person who is rarely at home? Perhaps a high energy dog or very young puppy who requires attention around the clock, socialization and training may not be the right match for you.

Puppies require plenty of training, socialization and supervision in order to be well-adjusted adult dogs. Puppies and rescue dogs require house training, positive obedience training and regular medical attention.  

An older animal may already have some basic skills and may not be so demanding of your every minute. However, dogs and cats can live happy, healthy lives right into their teenage years.  Dogs and cats require regular veterinary check-ups, some require special nutrition or emergency care.

Tiny kittens also require a watchful eye 24/7, so if you’re out and about a lot, perhaps an adolescent or adult cat is a better fit for you.

Be realistic!  Don’t get a dog because you want to start jogging in the new year, impulse decisions can result in adopting for the wrong reasons.  Dogs and cats who are bored and whose daily needs cannot be met may resort to problematic behaviour.