If you live in a small area, the size of your pet should be small enough to be comfortable in your surroundings. Let's say you are looking for a small pet. There are many small animals to choose from. The ideal pet will not only suit you but will be one that you suit as well.

The first thing to think about is what are you expecting from a pet. Do you want to be interactive with it, or just be amused by watching it? How active do you want it to be? How much time do you want to spend taking care of it? Also remember you need to consider what kind of expenses your new pet can incour. Check out the local vets and chose the one you feel most comfortable with. Most vets are happy to answer questions about fees and the type of pet you are considering. They would rather deal with a responsible pet owner then one who neglects an animal. These are all issues that need to be settled before you pick out a pet. There is a lot to consider, but it's well worth the time. The worst thing that could happen is to get a pet that is not suitable for you and your lifestyle.

One more thing to consider, are you getting this pet for you or for one of your family members? If there are children involved, make sure they can handle caring for a pet and are old enough to understand how to be gentle with an animal. It would be better for both child and pet if they are compatable and age appropriate for each other.

Once you have chosen the type of pet you want, the next to last step is to go to your computer and/or library and do a bit of homework. You'll want to research and learn as much about the pet you've chosen as possible before you get it. Again, this is worth the time it takes to assure that your pet is the right one for you. It will be very stressful and difficult both for you and the animal if it has to find a new home because it didn't work out.

Once you have finished all your research, the next step is to prepare your home for whatever your new pet will need. A cage or tank if neccessary, food, food dishes, a few toys, bedding and such. You don't have to go crazy and spend a fortune, just get enough to get your new pet started out.

See the next module for information on buying your new pet.

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Now that you know as much as you can about your new pet and you have all the supplies you need for it, it's time to start looking at places to buy it from. This is a very important step because you want to make sure that your new pet is healthy as it can be and has been bred to have a good temprament. Never be afraid to ask a breeder questions. Look around as you visit with the breeder. Is the area the animals are in clean? Is the mother and /or father of the animals present? If so, check out it's behavior. Make sure the animal looks healthy and is well behaved. If the place is dirty and the parent/s jittery or vicious, make your excuses and leave. If the animals all seem well fed and in good health, (ie: with shiny coats and clear eyes if it's the small furry type) Play with them awhile. Are they friendly or skiddish? Quiet, or rough housing. After a few minutes, you can get a fairly good idea of the animal's personality. Don't buy anything you're uncomfortable about. Better to think it over and come back even it it means taking a chance on losing the animal, than to buy it and be unhappy with your choice. Make sure also that the breeder has health records and the animals shots are up to date. You should also find out when the next vetting is due. Whatever you do, never let a breeder pressure you into buying a pet. If everything feels right, and you are confident that this is the pet for you, then get a guarantee from the breeder that if anything is wrong with your pet because of breeding problems, than you will be reimbursed. Obviously if something happens to your pet that is your fault, the breeder is not responsible.

Once you get your new pet home and as comfortable as possible in it's new surroundings, try not to overwhelm it. Be patient, and give yourself and your pet time to adjust and grow to care for each other. Hopefully, you will have many years of enjoyment ahead of you. After all, pets are the only completely unconditional love that you can be sure of.