One of my favourite parts of being a vet is getting a glimpse into the very special bond that exists between animals and their owners. Pets are family and, as such, (quite rightly) it is a very big decision to make when considering a new addition.

We are just going through this process in my family after losing our much-loved dog a few months ago. The time is now right for us to welcome a puppy into our lives, and it reminded me how much there is to think about!

Ask yourself what type of animal would be best for your lifestyle

My best advice to anyone considering a pet is to be absolutely sure about it before you commit. The first question is, what type of animal would be best for you, your family, your home and lifestyle? If you are active, have time for walks and have provision for pet care when you are busy, a dog may fit right in. If you prefer a more independent companion, a cat or small mammal may be better – although they do need your time and attention too.

The second question is, what breed would be right for you? This is important for all species, but especially in dogs whose characteristics vary an awful lot between breeds.

There are many useful online quizzes and resources (Kennel Club and several charity websites) as a starting point. Consideration about how much exercise a breed needs, whether they are good family dogs, and whether they are prone to serious health problems, is worth looking into during the early stages of your search.

Consider the cost of the pet over their lifetime

Finally, it is worth thinking about how much things will cost. The prices of purchasing, vet fees, insurance, holiday boarding and food have all gone up over the years. Again, there are several useful online resources to give you an idea of annual costs depending on your type and size of pet – be prepared for the total to be a few thousand pounds over their lifetime.

In next month’s article, we’ll look at what to do next, if you’ve made the decision to get a pet.