Answer these questions first before deciding on bringing a pet permanently into your life. Make your decision based on what's best for you, your family and the animal.

Why do you want a pet?
If the answer is "because I want to love and care for an animal for its entire lifetime": THUMBS UP! Pets may be with you for ten, fifteen, and even more years, long after they're "cute," popular, or a fashion statement.

Do you have time for a pet?
Animals require food, water, exercise, and companionship every day. You cannot ignore them because you are "too busy," "tired," "traveling," or "sick." Do you have the time it takes every day of every year of that animal's lifetime? If the answer is "Yes!" then: THUMBS UP!

Can you afford a pet?
Pets need more than just leftovers. In fact, they need a diet of healthy pet food, toys, litter, licenses, veterinary care, and more. If the answer is, "I will make sure my pet is taken care of" then: THUMBS UP! 

Can you have a pet where you live?
Some rental housing will not allow any pets. Other communities may try to limit the type, size, or number of pets you are allowed. Be sure you know about any restrictions before you look for an animal. If the answer is, "The pet I choose will be allowed to live with me" then: THUMBS UP!

Do you have the right living arrangements for the pet you want?
You don't want a St. Bernard living in a small, cramped apartment. More importantly, you want to tailor your pet's energy requirements to the space available. While a Cocker Spaniel might be very happy in an apartment, a Border Collie, that is similar in size, may not be. Speak with a Rescue Village Adoption Counselor to Meet Your Match. If your answer is, "I have thought about it and this is the right animal for me" then: THUMBS UP!

Can you deal with the problems that a pet can cause?
Flea infestations, dirt, scratched furniture, chewed shoes, poop, vomit, and hairballs are just some of the things that are common with pet ownership. If you can deal with these, then pet ownership is probably for you and the answer is: THUMBS UP! 

Who will look after your pet when you're not home?
Can you afford to board your pet or hire a pet sitter when you are on vacation or out of town? Do you have a reliable neighbor, relative, or friend to look after your animal if needed? If the answer is "I will make sure my pet is well cared for when I am away" then: THUMBS UP!

Will you be a responsible pet owner?
Will you have a problem with community leash laws, pooper-scooper laws, or any other legal restrictions on you and your pet? Will you make sure that your animal is confined to a safe and secure area, for its own sake and that of other animals and people? If you are committed to be a responsible pet owner then: THUMBS UP!

If you have 8 THUMBS UP or more then adopting a pet can be a great decision!

If you have 5-7 THUMBS UP then you might want to think about what you can do to make pet adoption a success story for you, your family, and your pet.