Which pet is right for me? Tips for choosing

Would you like animal companionship in everyday life? Then the next question is which pet suits you. In order to enable both you and the animal to live together as pleasantly as possible, you should not answer this question spontaneously, but rather carefully.
Dog, cat or small animal: which animal friend is perfect for you? – Shutterstock / Rita Kochmarjova
The question of which pet suits you can only be answered individually – your living situation is just as important here as the time that you can invest in the animal family connection. In any case, it is not enough when choosing an animal to find an animal particularly cute, cuddly or fascinating, both sides must also fit together: the animal and its needs must be easy to integrate into your everyday life, and you should enable it to be kept as species-appropriate as possible .
Dog and cat: Four-legged members of the family
When choosing the right pet, dogs or cats are at the top of the wish list for many people. No wonder: the popular four-legged friends often form a very close bond with their owner and thus become real family members in no time. Dogs not only need a lot of space in the living room, you should also walk them every day. A garden for exercise can also contribute to species-appropriate husbandry.
Cats, on the other hand, can also be kept well if you only have an apartment without a garden. However, you should set aside time to play with the kitty every day. Regular cleaning of the litter box also requires some effort. Also, keep in mind: Dogs and cats can get very old, so be prepared to take care of them for years to come.
Rodents with limited space and time
If you have a small apartment and also little time, a rodent could be your roommate of choice: mice or hamsters take up comparatively little space with their cage and also require relatively little attention – although even these little fellows like to be tamed as soon as they are hand-tamed be petted.
They are also very suitable for children who want to learn how to deal with animals. However, teach your offspring from the start that regular cage maintenance and daily feeding are essential here. Depending on whether you choose mice, guinea pigs or hamsters, you need a cage of different sizes. It is best to inquire at the pet store before you buy so that you can estimate the space required.
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