21st March 2019 / Beth Oleyar: Choosing The Right Pet For Your Home

Looking at getting a dog or a cat? As a nation of animal lovers (with one of the highest statistics of pet ownership in the world), it's an age-old question that has caused division among pet owners since the beginning of time.

While there's no right answer when it comes to choosing the right pet for your home, different breeds of dogs and cats can present varying needs and characteristics that may prove better suited to a specific type of property or lifestyle.

If you're part of a young or established family, consider what breed of dog is best with children, which pets require less maintenance and whether you should adopt an older animal as opposed to bringing home a puppy or kitten. After all, adding a new member to the family is a long-term commitment and it's certainly worth considering how tasks like training, feeding, walking, grooming, changing the kitty litter and maintaining your outdoor area will be distributed around the home.

For singles and professional-working couples with limited time on your hands, you may find that a cat is the choice for you. Relatively quiet and independent, cats typically require less training and social interaction than dogs, which also makes them a primary contender for those living in a small unit or apartment complex.

Either way, while the size of your property and backyard will impact on which sort of pet you should choose, so will your budget. Do yourself a favour and put together a tally of one-off and ongoing expenses such as food, litter, toys, pet insurance, neutering, worming tablets, collars, leashes and training costs to help determine which pet is best for your home and family.

After all, who doesn't want to come home to a cuddle from your favourite furry friend?