Many people grow up with a variety of pets, with the most common being cats and dogs. As a rule the parents of the household, select the pets or allow the strays to stay or not. Once people head out to live on their own, the decision in regard to what sort of pet to get will arise. Typically the initial thought is to have the sort of pet we grew up with; however, a careful evaluation of our personality traits may well indicate the fact that there would be more comfort with a cat or a dog because we tend to live and fit into certain “pet molds”.

Without digging deeply into cat or dog breeds, there are key characteristics that seem to appear in many of the owners of each type of pet. It is these characteristics to look for within you. The ‘majority rules’ theory should prevail in the final analysis. Thinking of cats one sees a usually quiet and relaxed creature that is somewhat self-involved and content with being at home with their special person or other kitties. If you tend to enjoy that sort of lifestyle, you are leaning toward a cat pet. On the other hand, dogs are thought of as nearly always being busy and involved thing all sorts of things. They venture off toward whatever their nose and ears tells them would be fun to pursuit and sometimes get themselves into trouble. A dog pet would be your best bet if you send toward these sorts of characteristics.

It does appear as though some people could easily have both cat and dog leanings. Cats tend to be curious and can also get into trouble, while dogs truly enjoy the companionship of their human in whatever activity is happening at the time. This may well be the reason so many families end up with both cats and dogs. Nothing wrong with that either.

There are many reasons to rescue a dog or cat instead of buying a puppy. For one thing, you're saving a life. There are some "no kill" shelters, but it's very hard for them to house many unadopted pets.

The Internet will come up with many links for rescue animals. However, they may not be in your area. You should Google "animal shelter (your zip code)." Alternatively, look for the breed you want by seeking "cocker spaniel rescue (your zip code)." One website described the services provided through donations: food, health care, and low cost (or free) spaying or neutering. Pictures are provided on the sites, and some will give details such as gender, age, breed or mix, and sometimes even temperament. You'll also see advice on which kind of dog or cat would fit well with your family.

An emergency rescue in San Diego started when animals were caught in floods in Tijuana, Mexico. They rescued animals from the Northridge earthquake. Sometimes you're adopting a cat trapped in a tree. Shelters and rescues often have an adoption event at shopping centers. This is a real business -- you'll sign a contract, pay various fees, and often put in writing that if you have to get rid of the animal you'll return it to the rescue. Sometimes they even call to follow up about the animal's care.

One website quoted adoption fees of $190 for dogs and $85 for cats. Their adoption process takes 7-10 working days. These fees are far cheaper than buying a puppy.

When you are ready to by a pet there are many things you need to consider before you go about it. First thing to decide is what kind of animal you want, and really think about if you have room for that animal. How much is that pet going to eat, and how much time are you going to have to spend with it? You also need to make sure that you are allowed to have animals where you live.

If a dog is what you are looking for, you will want to make sure that there is enough room for the dog, remembering the bigger the dog, the more room that dog is going to need. Make sure the dog is healthy and up to date on shots and exams. You also need to know if the dog has been "fixed," and if not, find out where you can get it spayed or neutered as well as the cost; pets are not cheap. They are actually good practice for getting ready for parenthood, as they are quite like children. You want to try to adopt a pet from your humane society or rescue mission. This will help save a life! If you buy from a breeder, make sure he or she is reputable.

There are places that you should never buy a pet. Places like puppy and kitten mills where they are breed is not recommended. Just because and they are kept in overcrowded dog pens, some people do not care how the animal has grown, like in unsanitary conditions or even starved. You want to make sure the animals are screened and adopted out responsibly. You want your pet to be happy and healthy when you get him or her home.

Once you have decided to add a loving dog to your family there a various things to consider before you go make a purchase. For example, how active is your family? What type of house or area do you live in, and will the animal have the appropriate room that it needs? How little are your children and can they be taught how to properly treat and care for the dog? There are many breeds that are good with families, but remember that even within good breeds, there can be “bad dogs.” Just like people, they each have their own personality.

A few breeds that are suggested to be great for families include the Golden Retriever, which is one that is good if you have a more active family. Golden Retrievers love the outdoors. Schnauzers are a superb companion; they will protect the family and they always want to please their owner. For families with small kids, a Lab would be excellent because both children and this breed seem to have endless energy and they would keep each other busy. Families that have allergies within the household might want to consider a poodle. These dogs come in three sizes and hardly shed. If you live in a smaller area like an apartment, a terrific little dog to have is a Boston Terrier; these little guys don’t need a lot of room.

Regardless of the breed, kids and dogs make a wonderful match, but no matter the breed, it still is only part of the equation that makes a good dog. Other factors include where the dog was purchased, the dog's training, and how kids treat the dog. Once you have decided on the breed that's right for your family, you will then have a loyal friend and a great addition to the family.

If you don't own a pet, you may be missing out on an important factor that can help you to live a longer and healthier life. It doesn't even matter what kind of pet it is. As long as the animal is one to which you are personally drawn, there are significant health benefits to pet ownership.

It's been proven that petting an animal can reduce stress by lowering blood pressure and decreasing the heart rate. The survival rate for pet owners one year after a heart attack is about five times as high as for those who don't own pets. Pet owners are less likely to report minor stress-induced aches and pains. Elderly people and AIDS victims with pets are less likely to suffer from depression or feelings of isolation. Walking a dog is an excellent form of exercise. Cancer victims with pets tend to live longer because of their belief that their animals need them in order to survive.

There are psychological benefits to pet ownership as well. Studies report that children raised in households where pets are viewed as members of the family have a greater ability to empathize with others when they get older. It's speculated that children can read animals' body language easily because they are so direct and this ability allows them to interpret humans' body language more easily as they mature. Caring for animals teaches children responsibility and how to nurture. Losing a pet teaches them about death and how to deal with loss and grief.

Animals offer unconditional love. They don't care how smart, popular or successful you may or may not be. They provide a safe relationship with affection, entertainment and physical and mental stimulation.