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?Can we get a pet"? You know the question is coming, even if you haven?t gotten it already.
After persistent begging from their then five-year-old daughter, Claire, Erika Fredette and her husband, Lyle, finally got their chihuahua, Lucie. ?Lyle and I went back and forth on the idea for about a year,? recalls the Calgary mom. ?It seemed like a good stage to get a dog, because Claire was old enough to understand some of the expectations that went along with dog ownership.?
It takes time to figure out whether your family is ready for its first pet. Philip Fulton, the manager of community outreach at the Calgary Humane Society, believes the right age varies for every child. You?re more likely to have a positive experience if it?s treated as a family pet and not just the child?s pet. 1. Do your research

Before you even go to look at a pet, have a serious talk. ?Make sure everyone is aware of the care and requirements before you bring the pet home,? Fulton emphasizes. That talk includes determining if you?re ready for a pet at all. Consider whether your lifestyle allows for the necessary feedings, exercise, play and other care a pet needs. Be honest with yourself?if you travel a lot, or your kids have a lot of extracurriculars, it may be hard to give a pet what it requires. Weigh the pros and cons of the demeanour, size and energy levels of different types of pets and breeds. (Don?t forget potential allergies!) Also be sure to research the best place to ...