Careful planing must go into pet ownership

There is nothing like coming home after a long day and being greeted by a friendly tail wagging or an eager rub against your legs. Owning a pet can bring a lot of joy to your life, but it also requires a lot of commitment and responsibility. The decision to buy a pet should not be made on a whim but instead after much consideration and planning.

The first thing to consider is time. Pets need lots of attention. Dogs need to be let outside several times a day. If your schedule requires you to be away from home for most of the day, perhaps a pet, especially a dog, isn't for you. A very important question you must ask yourself: Am I giving my pet the best life I can?

Another consideration is the cost. The initial price of a pet may not be very much — sometimes even free — but over time, the cost of caring for your pet adds up. Food, supplies, licensing and vet bills, including spaying/neutering and vaccinations, are costly and must be factored into your monthly budget. 

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that a dog costs about $580 to $875 each year, depending on the size of the dog, and that a cat costs about $670 each year. The average life span of a dog is about 12 years. A cat's average lifespan is about 15 years. That ends up being pretty expensive, but the emotional value of a pet is immeasurable. A pet is not disposable, but a serious commitment, so prepare for a long-term. 

Finding a decent place to live is difficult as it is. When you own a pet, it becomes even harder. Many landlords do not allow pets at all, and those who do often require an additional deposit or increased monthly rent. Space is also an issue, particularly if you have a dog. Is there ample space and a yard for it to play? You must also consider how it will affect you and your roommates. If anyone in your life has allergies, perhaps a cat or dog isn't for you. 

There are alternatives to cats and dogs, of course, such as fish, reptiles and rodents, which are less expensive to care for and require less room. When choosing a pet, it's important to decide what will work best for your lifestyle. 
Pet ownership can enrich your life a great deal. It requires care, commitment and responsibility. It costs money, but you must decide what's more important: money or an unconditional best friend?

—Chelsey Urdahl is a senior journalism major and a staff reporter for The Mirror.