My Pet - Choosing the right pet for your life

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Here to help you choose the right pet for your life and family is Texas Hearing and Service Dogs.
Al Kordowski and Becky McClintock will provide weekly tips and advice for you.

This week: Choosing the right pet.

First things first, think about how you will interact with a new pet.  Do you see yourself running with a sporty dog, taking it kayaking and hiking?  If you want to share high energy activities with your pet, a young, healthy dog is a good choice.
 
Or are you more of a homebody and imagine your new pet by your side while you study, read or watch TV?  A cozy lifestyle works beautifully with an older dog or cat.
 
How much daily time do you see yourself interacting with a pet?  Dogs, birds and horses all thrive with lots of daily attention from their favorite person – you!
 
Maybe you don’t have much time to give to the animal.  Or you really don’t like the idea of any type of mess in your home, on your clothes, in your car or in your yard.  A fish tank might make more sense for you.
 
Or perhaps, a pet, as appealing as it seems, isn’t the right choice for you until you have time to devote to it daily and feel comfortable with the impact an animal will have on your home and lifestyle
 
The main thing is:  Think about it first.