What pet should you get?

Courtesy: ASPCA

Is a cat where it's at? Or maybe a dog--or a bird--is the word? To help you out, we've put together a list of the pros and cons for a variety of popular animal companions. (Note: It's just a tad tongue-in-cheek…having a pet is supposed to be fun, after all.)

DOG
YES!
We don't call them our "best friends" for nothing. Loyal and loving, these social animals thrive on being upstanding members of their family "packs." The ultimate expression of the human-animal bond!

NO!
If there are kids in the household, your best bet's a medium- to large-sized dog over five months of age. Children under seven are usually not developmentally suited for younger puppies, who have sharp teeth and nails that can easily, albeit accidentally, hurt a child. We do not recommend toy-sized dogs less than 15 pounds if you have young children, as these fine-boned canines don't hold up well to rough, clumsy handling.

WAY TO GO if you've done your research and have found a breed mix or breed that meshes with your lifestyle (i.e. couch potato + retriever mix = bad; boxer + jogging addict = good) and have drawn up a schedule of who in the family will do what-walking, playing, feeding, grooming, scooping. This is a major commitment for the entire household.

FOR MORE INFO, read Basic Dog Care tips. And while you'll really score big with us if you adopt a mixed-breed dog from your local shelter, we understand that many people have their hearts set on a specific breed. That's okay, too. You'd be surprised at the number of awesome purebreds turned into shelters and breed rescue groups.

CAT
YES!
It's no accident that cats were worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. Graceful, athletic, playful, sensitive and affectionate, felines are also currently the most popular pet in the United States today. Less work than a dog, but still high on the cuddle scale.

And P.S., kittens are probably the cutest, and most flexible, creatures on the planet.

NO!
Cats are not like dogs. The majority of wild felines are solitary hunters by nature, so your domestic cat probably won't want to hang out with you all day or be interested in learning to do all the things that a dog would. Also, we'd like to caution against getting a kitten unless you are home during the day. Adult cats are a better choice--not only are they litter-trained, most have graduated from the rowdy ankle-attacking stages of adolescence. Oh, and if you want a long-haired cat, be prepared to brush, brush, brush!

WAY TO GO if you've done your research and decided on a cat of an appropriate age for your household. Be sure to check out your shelter for a great selection (purebreds, too, if that's your thing) and have your new pet spayed or neutered.

FOR MORE INFO, check out  Basic Cat Care. Kids who like cats can visit ASPCA Animaland.

BUDGIE
YES!
Playful, cheery and chirpy, this little charmer is the most popular avian companion.
He's gentle and funny, and can be readily tamed to sit on your shoulder. Under adult guidance, a budgerigar makes a perfect first bird for the young members of the family.

NO!
Birds can be messy….really messy. You'll need to clean the cage and surrounding area daily. And if you're looking for something high on the cuddle scale, better to stick with a furry species.
P.S. If you prefer a bird who also sings beautifully but doesn't require as much interaction with you, consider finches or canaries.

WAY TO GO if you've got your heart set on an avian mimic but don't have the time, money or space for a larger member of the parrot family. When it comes to budgies, talk is cheep! However, keep in mind that not all budgies will talk, even though they have the capability. Can you love and cherish a budgie--in silence and in health?!

FOR MORE INFO, read Basic Bird Care. And if your kids or students have birds on the brain, they can check out our information at ASPCA Animaland.

FISH
YES!
Got allergies, limited space and/or lean towards the exotic? Although fish are relatively low maintenance, there's a definite science to keeping them, and their environment, healthy-hence their appeal to big-brained types who get a kick out of seeing the nitrogen cycle at work.

P.S. Coldwater fish are also great first-time pets for kids, under adult supervision. And feng shui experts say that a well-placed aquarium can harmonize the energies in the home. (Don't believe in that? Well, you have to admit that fish are relaxing to watch.)

NO!
If only a pet who'll follow you around, lick your face or play fetch will do, a finned friend is not for you.
And NO, you cannot go to the pet store, buy a fish and just dump him in a bowl with tap water when you get home. Not only have you thrown your money away, you've bought a slow death for your pet. There's a lot to learn about fishkeeping. For starters, we recommend that you get your tank up and running a week before you even think about adding fish.

WAY TO GO if you do major research, get all your equipment beforehand and know what species are safe to keep together. If you've done your homework, you probably know that common goldfish can live for more than 10 years if properly cared for…it's a longer commitment than most people think!

FOR MORE INFO, please read  Basic Fish Care for Beginners. And your kids, students or young friends can visit ASPCA Animaland for the dish on fish.
 
GUINEA PIG
YES!
They're not pigs and they're not from New Guinea, but these cuddlebugs are the most docile-and vocal-of all companion rodents. Readily tamed and easy to handle, GPs love to sit on their humans' laps, too. Under adult supervision, guinea pigs are excellent first pets for children.

NO!
These little critters aren't the kind of pets you can passively watch through the bars of the cage. They need time out to exercise every day. Do you have what it takes to be a guinea pig's gym coach? And it's a great idea to keep two or more of these social animals together, just make sure you have adequate housing for them. (Please don't keep males and females together, unless they are spayed or neutered.)

WAY TO GO if you're looking for a gentle pet who's fun for the whole. And do your reading, please-these guys have special dietary needs.

FOR MORE INFO, see Basic Guinea Pig Care. Little pig caretakers can head to ASPCA Animaland, the website for kids who love animals.

HAMSTER
YES!
Off the charts when it comes to cuteness, hamsters are busy little rodents who are very popular with kids. Good choice for apartment dwellers.

NO!
It's no accident that "NO" spells out the first two letters of NOCTURNAL. Did you know that hamsters sleep during the day and are active at night? Unfortunately, most first-time hamster owners aren't aware of this, and try to wake up their cuddly ball of fur bright and early every morning only to get nipped on the finger. Repeatedly. These tiny little guys need gentle handling, if you please.

And P.S. Syrian hamsters are solitary and must be kept alone. Dwarf hamsters are more social, so make sure you know what species you are bringing home.

WAY TO GO if you're a night owl and/or won't be bothered by your pet eating, digging and running on his wheel in the wee small hours. Light sleepers may want to keep their hammy's cage out of the bedroom. Because of their nocturnal nature and tendency to bite when mishandled, we do not recommend hamsters for families with young children. As long as you understand that your pet needs his beauty sleep pretty much all day long, things should be fine…and painless.

FOR MORE INFO, read  Basic Hamster Care. And we know your kids probably want to know about these miniature teddy bears, too, so check out ASPCA Animaland.

RABBIT
YES!
They can be trained to use the litter box, they'll come when called, and their all-time favorite activities are to dig and to chew. Who knew? The sometimes sweet, sometimes sassy rabbit can be a great pet for the right family.

NO!
1.) Rabbits cannot live outdoors! Although they've traditionally been kept in backyard hutches, these days we know better. Outside, rabbits can die of fright at the approach of a predator, and will be susceptible to diseases spread by ticks and other parasites.

2.) In most cases, rabbits and young kids are a terrible match. No doubt, many children love bunnies-but they'll want to show their love by hugging and picking them up. Rabbits naturally feel insecure when picked up off the ground, and will do anything in their power (or in their powerful legs) to get down. An accidental fall can result in a broken bone. Better to wait until the kids are older.

WAY TO GO if you've done the research and understand exactly what rabbits need*--and understand the importance of having your bun spayed or neutered.

* P.S. Hint, hint: For one, rabbits need to dig and chew, big time!

FOR MORE INFO, peruse Basic Rabbit Care, or visit the House Rabbit Society online. Children can check tips at ASPCA Animaland.

AIR FERN
YES!
Or should that be "no!?"
No water, no soil, no fertilizer-EVER!

P.S. When we say no water, we mean no water-good old H2O may actually remove the green dye that gives your pet that healthy glow. Carefully read any instructions that come with your pet just to make sure.

NO!
And some of you actually thought fish had zero cuddle factor…

WAY TO GO if you're not yet ready for a big commitment and/or have a well-developed imagination. (Sorry, an air fern isn't a plant at all, but rather the secreted exoskeleton of a tiny sea animal. Kind of like having a clam shell to call your very own.)

Courtesy: ASPCA