Pet ownership entails daily TLC, not to mention a few expenses. Before bringing home a pet, consider the following:

Pet ownership entails daily TLC, not to mention a few expenses. Before bringing home a pet, consider the following:
Don't buy on impulse. Weigh all the pros and cons for at least 24 hours.
Do your homework. Buy a book, visit Internet Web sites, talk to other animal owners before heading to the pet store.
Choose a reputable breeder or pet store. Mixing breeds to develop cute or nonshedding dogs won't always guarantee the type of adult dog you'll have.
Know your pet's adult height and weight. A cute puppy may become a 100-pound dog. A 6-inch iguana matures at 5 feet.
Match the fully grown size of the pet to your home and lifestyle. Lizards, beta fish, hermit crabs are low maintenance pets that fit well in apartments.
Draw up a list of applicable expenses including yearly vaccinations, routine medical evaluations, food, hygiene supplies, grooming, medications, kennel fees.
Buy pets when there is ample time to house break, train and acclimate pet to its new home.
Have a plan for pet's care. Know who will accept responsibility to walk, clean, feed, train, play with and take animal to veterinarian.
Spay or neuter your pet to prevent unwanted animals.
Source: Local veterinarians, pet store owners and groomers.