* Question: What should I consider to decide on the pet that is right for me and my family?

First and foremost, never purchase your new pet on impulse. Bringing a sweet little fur ball home just because it was adorable is rarely the best way to find a new pet.

A better option is to discuss the matter of pets with your family first. Make a point to consider the following in your discussion: grooming, daily feeding, playtime, personal attention, veterinary care and house training (where applicable). It would also be a good idea to ask each member of the family why they want a pet. It's a good idea to make sure your children understand that a pet is another member of the family, not just another play thing, and that the pet's individual needs should be considered as much as other family members' needs.

Take note of your lifestyle. Assuming, for example, you live in an apartment in the city or you need to work long hours. In this particular situation an easy-to-care-for-pet like a fish, bird or cat may be a good choice. If you do a lot of jogging or running, then a dog would be a good companion for you.

To better understand the needs of a potential pet, you can talk to breeders and other pet owners. Attend local pet shows and talk to the judges. Surf the internet for specific breeds to learn more about the pet you want to add to your family. Also, consider the ages of your children when planning to put a pet in the home. Also, consider the life expectancy of the pet, itself.

* Question: Is it best to get a pet at a pet store or an animal shelter?

Some people swear by animal shelters, while others prefer pet stores. Weighing the two, I feel it is recommended to look for a pet (especially dogs and cats) at a shelter. You'll find that animals at a shelter are well-cared for by the staff and having had much interaction with the staff, the animals are well-adapted to people. The shelter's staff can tell you quite a bit about the animals to help you find the pet that will be well-suited to you and your family. The staff can tell you which cat likes to curl up on your lap, which dog enjoys long walks and which animal will be good with children. In addition, animals from a shelter have already been checked and have received all of their needed immunizations and have already been neutered or spayed.

If you decide instead to get a pet from a pet store, be sure you spend time with the store owner about that particular animal's temperament, particulary for dogs, cats and other animals that will have plenty of interacation with a variety of people.

* Question: What is the best way to decide which dog is best for me?

Here are some steps to follow to choose the best dog for you:

- Look for pet guides to learn about a particular dog breed's personality, background and temperament. Surf the internet for online guides that tell you about those kinds of dogs.

- Talk with a veterinarian to discuss details about the characteristics and disposition of the breed you are looking for. Ask questions to understand more about that breed.

- If you decide to purchase your puppy from the pet store, be sure to ask for the dog's status — for example, the dog's history, physical or behavioral problems as well as anomalies of the breed. If you do not want to use a pet store, you can also find dogs and other animals at your county's animal shelter or through a private breeder.

- Lastly, ask for your friends' assessments and experiences with various types of dogs they have owned.