Thinking about getting a new pet? A pet is a commitment for 10-20 years, and the decision to bring one into your home should not be made on the spur of the moment. Adopting a pet for the wrong reasons, or bringing home the wrong type of pet for your lifestyle or environment, is a common mistake that often leads to the pet being given up. Many animals that are brought to shelters end up being euthanized. People start with good intentions, but fail to consider the fate of the pet if it doesn't work out.

So, how can you be sure you are ready for the commitment of a new pet? As with most decisions in life, knowledge is the key to making the best decision. Start by asking yourself some basic questions.

• Does everyone in the household want a pet, or is the pet going to be a source of irritation?
• Is everyone ready and able to share in the responsibility, or is just one person going to do all the work?
• Do you travel or work long hours, leaving little time to spend with a pet?
• Can you afford a pet?

By honestly answering the questions above, you are taking the initial steps to responsible pet ownership. Most behavior problems that arise in pets are created by the pet owners. Behavior is one of the top reasons for giving a pet up to a shelter. If you don't have the time to spend with a pet and you do not properly train a pet, the animal becomes bored, frustrated or confused about what you want. Without the proper knowledge, the owner considers these confused reactions to be problem behavior.

Conversely, having all the time in the world to spend with your pet is not enough to be a responsible pet owner. You have to be able to afford your pet, too. A new pet comes with expenses that some people find themselves unprepared for. In addition to the cost of food and supplies, are you able to spend, on average, a couple hundred dollars a year on basic health care for your pet? Are you aware that, excluding accident or disease, the first year of your pet's life will cost more than the next few years? Remember, new puppies and kittens will require a series of vaccinations to stimulate a long lasting, protective response from their developing immune systems.

All new pets should receive a complete physical exam and be checked for parasites. Your new pet may have an existing parasite infection, a skin condition, or an infectious disease that needs treatment. New dogs should be checked for heartworm disease if older than six months, and dogs and cats should be started on heartworm prevention. All pets should be spayed or neutered as soon as possible. Many veterinarians are now proficient in pediatric anesthesia and sterilization, and an experienced practitioner can do the procedure as early as 8 weeks of age.

Maybe you are already a pet owner and are planning to bring an additional pet into the household. You should still talk to your veterinarian and local canine education instructor prior to bringing the new pet home. Your veterinarian can review the immunization records of your current pets and advise you of any boosters that may be recommended prior to exposure to a new pet. You may be able to arrange for the new pet to go immediately to your veterinarian's hospital or clinic for an exam prior to bringing the animal home. Your new pet may be carrying a respiratory infection such as kennel cough and parasites such as ear mites or intestinal worms. Exposing your existing pets to these health problems, while probably not life threatening, can be costly when you end up treating all your pets in the household. It can also be costly in terms of your emotional stress and your pet's suffering and stress.

Your local canine education instructor can discuss with you the problems that may be unique to bringing an additional pet into your household. An expert in animal behavior and training can discuss with you how to properly introduce a new pet to your home, what to look for as signs of trouble and how to avoid common behavior problems.

A pet can be a wonderful addition to anyone's life, becoming a trusted companion, part of the family and a source of joy and love for years to come. But make the decision wisely. Decide as a family. Discuss basic health care with your local veterinarian in advance. Find a canine education instructor in your area and get his or her recommendations before you bring your new pet home. Remember, once you give your pet up to a shelter, its chances of getting another home may not be very good. Do everything you can in advance to make your decision to get a new pet the right decision.