Does anyone in the house have allergies or other health concerns?

It is important to plan on how you will exist with your pet before you live with them. With mild allergies, many people find they can live just fine with their pets as long as they take steps to make sure they remove the pet hair and dander regularly. By not allowing the pet on the bed, in the closet or even in the bedroom of the allergic person, the severity of the symptoms may be minimized. Consulting with an allergist can help owners figure out other strategies to manage their allergies.

Those people with immune deficiency conditions should consult with their physician before acquiring a pet. While having a pet has known therapeutic benefits, pets can potentially harbor diseases that might affect someone with a compromised immune system.