Choosing the Right Pet For Your Family

Choosing the Right Pet For Your Family
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Choosing the Right Pet For Your Family

Owning a pet is a great experience for many families. It’s a great way to bond as a family and can teach older children responsibility.

But choosing the right pet for your family is no small choice. The experience for both your family and your pet will be the most rewarding if you pick a pet that aligns well with your family’s lifestyle. 

There’s a lot to keep in mind when picking a pet, but we’re here to help you out with the process. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a pet for your family! 

Psst… Check out Beginner Music Lessons in NYC!

Don’t Buy On Impulse

The prospect of getting a pet is exciting, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. But don’t run out and buy a pet right away. Getting a pet is a huge commitment and a big decision– for you and the pet. Be sure to sit down, think through your choices and weight the pros and cons before you decide. 

Think About Cost

As much fun as owning a pet can be for a family, it can get pretty expensive. Your pet will need things like food, grooming and veterinary care. Some animals, like birds or fish, will need special habitats, and setting those up is an investment of time and money.

Every pet requires some level of financial commitment, so research what your pet of choice typically costs to own and look at whether that’s something you and your family can afford. 

Be Mindful of Allergies

People can be allergic to dander or saliva from dogs and cats. If someone in your family has one of these allergies, don’t worry: you can still get a pet. Some breeds of dogs and cats are considered low-allergen because they shed less. Or, you can opt for a pet with no fur at all, like a reptile or fish. 

Match Your Pet To Your Lifestyle

Different pets have different needs, especially when it comes to things like exercise, feeding and companionship. If you’re a family that travels a lot or isn’t home during the day, it might be a good idea to skip a dog and look into a lower-maintenance pet like a fish.

Birds need lots of space to fly around, so they probably wouldn’t be happy in a tiny apartment. Pet turtles can live for decades in some cases: are you ready for that long of a commitment? Look into your potential pet’s size, exercise requirements, lifespan and temperament before making a final decision. 

Check Your Housing Rules

Some landlords and apartment buildings have rules about the type or number of pets you’re allowed to have. Other towns, counties or cities may have ordinances about the number of certain types of pets you can have. Research what your landlord and local ordinances say before deciding what pet to get for your family. 

Do You Already Have A Pet?

If you already have a pet and you’re looking to add another one to the mix, do some research beforehand. Make sure your current pet and the new pet you’re considering will get along at home. Your veterinarian can help you find an answer if you have any doubts. 

Consider Adopting Instead of Shopping

When you adopt a pet, you’re giving a home to an animal that needs one. If you’re considering going the route of adopting a pet, here are some places around New York City to consider looking: 

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Brooklyn Music School

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For over a century, we at The Brooklyn Music School have strived to make the joy of music, dance and performance accessible to everyone no matter their age, background, or financial status.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to offering affordable in-person and online private and group music lessons, dance classes, after-school programs, and community outreach, we also provide space for </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brooklyn and NYC artists to perform in our 250-seat Spanish-style theatre. Come by for a night of live music, or join us for a class!</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit BrooklynMusicSchool.org to learn more, register for classes, or view our calendar for upcoming events. </span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4b378613-7fff-f89d-3c88-fe6beaabeb55"></span></p>

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Looking for something to do with the kids in New York City that is fun, exciting, and educational? The Intrepid Museum offers family-friendly activities and programs all year long that keep children engaged, entertained, and curious about history and science. Fun rain or shine, the Museum offers both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits and activities. With so many things to do and see, you’ll never hear “I’m bored,” when you climb aboard Intrepid. A non-profit, educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world’s fastest jets and a guided missile submarine.<br /></span></p>

Saf-T-Swim

<p>For over 35 years, Saf-T-Swim Swim School has been teaching lifesaving swimming skills throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and now Little Neck. The school is proud to be Long Island's #1 swim school and a leader in water safety education. With swim programs for infants as young as 4 months, beginners, and advanced swimmers, Saf-T-Swim offers swimming programs for every age and skill level. Discover why generations of Long Islanders have trusted Saf-T-Swim time and time again with equipping their little ones the essential skill of swimming.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>