What is my schedule like?

New pet owners sometimes do not recognize the time commitment involved in owning a dog or cat. Young puppies need to be taken outside frequently and if an owner is tied up at work all day, they may want to consider an older dog or a cat instead. Pets thrive on interaction with people and some breeds of dog need more activity or attention than others. If there is little time for the owner to spend with an active pet, behavior problems are bound to develop.

Pet day care and pet sitting are options for owners that may not have enough time to devote to a pet. Day care facilities are becoming increasingly popular because of owners with busy schedules that want to ensure their pets have an outlet for activity and attention during the day. Pet sitters are in high demand also and will usually go to the home to play or walk with the pet while the owners are away. Some of these options offer socialization with other pets or just people. The services offered and prices vary but both are great long or short term solutions for a busy owner and a pet that needs added attention.

It is also important for owners to think about how they plan to care for their pets when they are out of town. Having a regular boarding facility or trusted pet sitter can be invaluable to an owner that is often out of town or must spontaneously leave for days at a time.