How to choose the right pet for you

Owning a pet can provide hours of fun, interest and companionship. There's a pet that suits everyone, no matter what your lifestyle, space limitations or desires.

Getting to know a pet can be immensely rewarding but it's a long-term responsibility that needs careful consideration. One in two households in Britain owns a pet; however, many people find they cannot cope and end up giving their animals away for a variety of reasons. So, whether you want a cat or a cockatoo, make sure you adopt the animal for the right reasons, not just on impulse.

Pet lover's website www.petclubuk.com offers a wealth of advice on how to choose the right pet for you and keeping it happy and healthy. Publisher of the site Chris Jones says "Taking on a pet means providing a loving, safe home for life. Unfortunately, some owners tire of their pet as expenses mount up or they become too large to cope with. Others don't realise how much time it takes to care for them. It's essential to do some research into what will be involved in keeping your chosen pet, before you make the decision to bring an animal into your life."

• Why do you want a pet?
• Does anyone in the household have allergies?
• Can you afford to add a pet to your family?
• Do you have the time for a pet?
• Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause?
• Can you have a pet where you live?
• Who will care for your pet when you go on holiday?
• Do you have children or babies?

Giving in to pester power or coveting the latest celebrity 'must have' dog are not good reasons to get a pet. Once you buy your pet the costs don't stop at daily feeding. Insurance, training, routine and emergency veterinary care, grooming, toys and other overheads for animals like cats and dogs add up quickly and continue for their lifetime.

Cats: Cats are very independent animals and can be left alone all day, as long as you give them a lot of love when you get home. With proper care, cats can generally be expected to live for sixteen years or more, so commitment from yourself is therefore a necessity, before you fall for that cute face.

Dogs: Dogs should never be left for long periods of time and require exercise. As pack animals they crave companionship and will enjoy being with their human family whenever possible.

Small Animals: Hamsters, gerbils, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits and other small animals make ideal pets for children as well as more mature owners, and are suitable for most households. These small animals are often short lived, which is ideal for children or families that don't wish to commit to a long term pet.

Birds: Pet birds can be endearing companions and are available in a huge variety of types, from the tiny finch to the giant hyacinth macaw. They are intelligent, sociable and often amusing. Small birds are good pets if you live in a flat. Large parrots can also be fine if you can spend plenty of quality time with them.

Fish: Fish can fit into any lifestyle, they are quiet, need no vaccinations, and are beautiful and calming to watch. Your budget for equipment and time for maintenance will influence whether you want to keep cold-water fish like goldfish, tropical fish that live in fresh warm water or marine fish that live in salt water. Fish may not be cuddly but they are excellent stress reducers.

Reptiles: Reptiles make fascinating pets but people wrongly imagine they require minimal care. In fact, they need very specialised care, including specific dietary requirements, lighting, heat, humidity and enclosures.

Once you have decided which pet to adopt, visit www.petclubuk.com for some help to choose the particular breed which will suit your lifestyle best. PetClub UK is a one-stop shop for pet lovers, packed with useful tools and resources in a vibrant and interactive environment.