What to Know Before Getting a Pet: Time, Money, Space and Family Readiness

Before getting a pet, be sure you can give them daily time and attention, afford food, supplies and vet care for their whole life, offer suitable space, and that everyone in the home, including anyone with allergies, is on board. Dogs and cats commonly live into their teens, so think in years, not months. Matching the animal to your lifestyle matters more than choosing a particular breed or species.

1. Time

Every pet needs daily care, but the amount varies a lot.

Ask yourself: who will care for the pet on busy workdays, during vacations, and if you are ill? Dogs in particular should not be left alone for long hours every day.

2. Money

The purchase or adoption fee is usually the smallest part of the cost. Plan for:

• Setup: crate or carrier, bed, bowls, litter box, cage or tank, toys, ID tag
• Ongoing: food, litter or bedding, parasite prevention, grooming, licenses
• Vet care: vaccines, checkups, spay or neuter, dental care
• The unexpected: emergencies, illness, boarding or pet sitters

The ASPCA has estimated first-year costs for a dog or cat in the US at roughly $1,100 to $3,200, a figure still widely cited as of October 2026, though real costs depend heavily on where you live and your pet’s size and health. Our guide to the cost of owning a dog breaks this down in detail. Decide in advance how you would handle a large vet bill, through savings, insurance or both.

3. Lifespan

A pet is a long commitment. A Royal Veterinary College VetCompass study of UK dogs put average life expectancy at birth at about 11.2 years, and a similar study of UK cats found about 11.7 years, with many individuals living well beyond that. Life expectancy also differs a lot between breeds. Small mammals usually have shorter lives, though rabbits can live many years with good care. Consider where you will be in 10 to 15 years: moves, children, travel, and who would care for your pet if your circumstances changed.

4. Space and housing

• Renters: check your lease, pet fees and any size or breed limits before you commit.
• Dogs: size and energy matter more than square footage, but access to safe walking areas is essential.
• Cats: need vertical space, scratching surfaces and a quiet spot for the litter box.
• Small pets: often need far larger enclosures than the cages sold for them, plus room to exercise.

5. Allergies and health

Pet allergies are common. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, no dog or cat breed is truly “non-allergenic”; allergens are found in saliva, dander and urine, not just fur. If anyone in your home has allergies or asthma, spend time with the type of animal first and talk to a doctor or allergist before committing. Also consider whether anyone is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, and ask a doctor about any precautions with certain pets, such as reptiles.

6. Family readiness

• Everyone should want the pet, not just one person.
• Adults are responsible. Children can help, but an adult must make sure care happens every day.
• Young children need supervision around animals, and some pets are fragile or easily stressed by handling. Our guide to small pets for kids explains which tend to suit families.
• Existing pets need to be considered: their age, health and tolerance of newcomers.

Readiness checklist

1. I can provide daily care, exercise and company, every day, for years.
2. I have a plan for vacations, long workdays and emergencies.
3. I can afford food, supplies, routine vet care and a large unexpected bill.
4. My housing allows the pet, and I have checked fees and rules.
5. Everyone in my household agrees, and allergies have been considered.
6. I have researched the species’ needs and lifespan.
7. I have found a vet nearby.
8. I am ready to use reward-based training and be patient.

Choosing where your pet comes from

Shelters and rescues have animals of every age, size and personality, and staff can help you find a good match; see how to adopt a pet from a shelter, or browse animals near you with the ASPCA’s shelter search. If you buy, choose a responsible breeder who health-tests parent animals, lets you meet them, and will take the animal back if needed. Avoid sellers who will not show you where animals are raised. For first-time dog owners, see dog breeds for first-time owners.

Bottom line

A pet is a long-term commitment of time, money and space. Be honest about your schedule, budget, housing and household before you bring an animal home, and choose a pet that fits the life you actually have. If now is not the right time, fostering or volunteering at a shelter is a great way to help animals and learn what suits you.

FAQ

What is the easiest pet for a beginner?

There is no universally easy pet. Each species has specific needs. Choose based on your time, space and budget, and research care requirements first.

Should I get a puppy or an adult dog?

Puppies need intensive training and supervision. Adult dogs often have settled personalities and may already be house-trained, which suits many first-time owners.

Are some breeds hypoallergenic?

Allergy specialists say no breed is truly allergen-free. Some people react less to certain individual animals, so spend time with a specific pet before deciding.

Is it OK to give a pet as a gift?

Only if the recipient has agreed and is ready for the commitment. A better gift is often the supplies and a promise to help choose the pet together.