Choosing the right pet for your family –

Experts from the UK’s largest pet rehoming site, Pets4Homes, offer key advice on finding the right pet that will suit your family, lifestyle and budget.

Deciding to bring a new pet into the family is always an exciting time and there is plenty to consider along the way. Choosing the right pet for you and your family means thinking about which animal you can provide the best home for, while keeping up with all the maintenance and activities they need to be happy. Do your research

Before rehoming any pet, it is vital to do your research into the rehoming process. This will help you to choose the pet you can provide the best home for and protect animal welfare in the process. While there are some characteristics of different animals that may make them seem like the best fit for you, every breed is different, so doing thorough research into the needs of an animal before bringing them home is vital. Good research can also help you make sure that any breeder you are in conversation with is genuine and that their animals are being kept in the best possible conditions. Size

Thinking about the size of the pet you want to bring home is a key factor. As well as discussing which pet you would most like to have around the house, it is important to reflect on which type of animal your home is most suited to. Animals like rabbits are often best suited to living in an outdoor environment and larger dogs, such as Labradors or German Shepherds, need space to roam around in. Smaller animals, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and even some cats are more able to thrive in indoor spaces, making them a better choice if you live in a flat or apartment. If you have small children, it is also worth remembering that larger dogs may accidentally knock them over while playing, so opting for a smaller breed may be best while there are young children around.

Activity level

While all pets require care and attention, some need more physical activity from their owners than others. Thinking about your own energy levels and which pet they would best fit with can help you to find the right companion. If you like to get out for a walk every day, then owning a dog may even help you get an extra walk in, as most dogs will need at least two walks a day, although the length of the walk depends on the size and breed. Cats are known to be more laid back, but they will often need some playtime with their owner to keep them stimulated, particularly if they are more sociable breeds, such as a Siamese or Ragdoll. If you are less able to keep your pet entertained through walks and play, then opting for a slightly less active animal, such as a lizard or rabbits, may be the best option. Sociability

The type of animal you choose to bring home will play a large part in determining how keen they are to spend time with humans. While many, though not necessarily all, dogs tend to flourish through human social contact, other animals, like some cats, may tend to be more solitary. Other animals, like rabbits, may enjoy some time around humans, although too much physical contact can be stressful for them. These are all factors to consider when thinking about which animal’s boundaries most align with yours and your family. Allergies

Sharing your home with an animal is a big commitment, and some of the consequences may be unexpected. A rare but very significant issue some new pet owners may face is finding that they have an allergy to their pet. Allergies to cats and dogs are common, but you can be allergic to hamsters, guinea pigs, or any number of animals. While you can opt for hypoallergenic breeds, such as a Cockapoo or a Labradoodle, the safest method is to check if you have any allergies before bringing a pet home.

If you are thinking about getting a dog or your family already has a canine companion, turn the page for top tips on caring for dogs in winter.

“Sharing your home with an animal is a big commitment, and some of the consequences may be unexpected”