As I grew up, I was very lucky that I had several puppies, cats and some fish. It was fun and I enjoyed all the pets through my childhood. However, now that I am older, have a family and I live on a small farm, I am trying to decide what pets and/or animals to have for my family and farm. There are a lot of animals for sale and a lot that you can go and pick up at shelters.  After doing so much research, I have realized that there are so many pets to choose from, and so much to think about before you make the final decision. During my research I found there are a lot of options and I wanted to share these options with you;

Pets in the home; The kind of home you create and live in has a lot to do with what kind of pet animals you want. Puppies, kittens, dogs, cats, birds, and fish are the easiest to care for and can live in almost any kind of home.

Before choosing any pet animal, specifically a puppy or dog, make sure it’s the right size for your home. I have a big golden retriever because I have a large home with lots of land. But if you live in a condo, you may want to consider a smaller dog. When I was growing up we lived in a subdivision, which we had basset hounds, they were easy and great indoor pets. Plus, they didn’t require a large area for exercising.

Cats or kittens do not depend on their masters as much as dogs. Cats are more independent and a lot of people like that better than having a dog. Cats actually require more exercise then dogs do. I always had outside cats but my husband grew up with cats that stayed inside. I am not sure which is best but what I do know is that cats are great to have to kill all the critters around the house, like bugs, spiders, mice and insects. I have cats and it is a true benefit because they get rid of all the critters.

Birds or various kinds of birds make great indoor pets for apartments or small homes. They live in cages, that take little space and their singing, beauty, and antics will please just about anybody. Canaries sing songs, and they are mostly pleasant and happy creatures. Finches also have musical voices and they are bright in colors. The Parakeet, one of the most popular birds, can learn to talk, and say many words. The play with toys, walk the tightrope and just an overall happy playful animal.

Choosing Farm Pets; On farms there are many types of pets to have, such as lambs, rabbits, kids, and pigs. Baby chickens and ducklings are often on farms too, but after they grow up they are more independent. But chickens and ducks are funny creatures and make a lot of noise but still, wonderful to have on a farm. The most popular animal on a farm are ponies and horses. A lot of farm families will raise cows and pigs but have many other farm animals around. They can be very helpful and beneficial to the farm. However, most farm animals make good pets. Many zoos have children’s petting zoo areas for kids to pet geese, goats, ducks and sometimes other animals. Whatever you decide make sure the farm animals are gentle and kind and enjoy being outside and around children.

On my farm, we settled for chickens which produce eggs and roosters because we love to hear them crow in the mornings. We have cows and they are friendly, funny animals too.

Exotic or Unusual Pets; Many kinds of wild animals have been caught and tamed for pets over the centuries. Some people even tame lions and bears and make them a household pet. I am not a big fan of unusual pets, but my friend has rattlesnakes and many other exotic pets. Circus men often make pets of elephants and lions, some camels and other unusual animals. Some people like frogs, turtles, lizards and iguana’s. I have known people who have had monkey’s, very mischievous; raccoon’s, very playful and skunk’s, aren’t that friendly. Whatever you prefer, just make sure you check with your state conservation department before adopting a wild animal or bird to make as a household pet.

Before buying a pet, learn as much as possible about the pet and its kind and/or bred. Make sure the animal can live in the space you are providing, plus, you can live with it in that amount of space as well. Keep in mind, that when researching puppies and kittens, you can choose purebred animals to know their history more specifically or the almighty mutt that we have all had and loved. My best recommendation is to get the pet when it’s a baby and nurture it through a long healthy, happy life with you and your family.