Talk it over

Talk it over
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Talk it over with your kids. Find out what your children want from a pet. Stress that animals aren’t toys.

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Wait

Wait
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Wait a few months to see if the desire was more than just a whim.

Set a budget

Set a budget
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Set a budget. Decide what expenses you can meet.

Consider your home

Consider your home
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Consider your home. A small unit with no access to the outside is usually an unhappy environment for dogs and cats, which, in turn, can be messy and destructive. For good measure, here’s a list of the best dogs suited to apartment living.

Consider safety

Consider safety
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Consider safety. Cats scratch. Dogs bite. Young children can cause injury to fragile creatures.

Do extensive homework

Do extensive homework
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Do extensive homework. Study animals’ varying needs.

Start small

Start small
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Start small. Cats and dogs are demanding of time and money. Lower-maintenance animals can provide a good introduction to caring for a furry friend. Now let’s get into some specifics, beginning with mice…

1. Mice

1. Mice
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Mice look sweet and are inexpensive, but they require gentle handling and are generally more active at night.

2. Guinea Pigs

2. Guinea Pigs
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Guinea pigs need shelter, hiding places and an exercise area safe from predators. They are lovable and responsive: the more they are handled (gently) from the start, the tamer they become. They are extremely active, will get bored if cooped up and crave company.

3. Rabbits

3. Rabbits
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Rabbits are cuddly and sociable. They need space and companionship – from humans and other bunnies. They may be kept outdoors with a hutch and an exercise run, or can live indoors and be house trained. Small pets usually have short life spans. Rabbits live 5-10 years; guinea pigs 5-7 years; mice only 2-3 years. For longevity, choose a tortoise – they can live 50-100 years.

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