Adding a companion to your life and your family's life may be a great decision. The following information is here to help you find the best pet for you. We want to help you avoid an impulse buy that you may regret later.

First we should review a few questions that will help you decide if a dog is what you really want.

The best reason is that you want companionship. Teaching kids responsibility or getting a guard dog should not be the primary reasons. A family dog is not meant for these things or for breeding. If buying from a breeder, a shelter or a rescue organization you will be required to neuter your pet as soon as it is old enough.

No matter how much kids promise to do the work you will still be the primary care giver. Don't forget vet visits, trips to the park and buying dog food. Kids usually can't do this themselves without car rides and money.

Will you be able to provide a safe area for your dog inside while you are out? Dogs and puppies should be crate trained. Are you going to have to block off areas that the dog can't enter? Are they allowed in your housing situation? Do you have quick access to a pee and/or play area nearby? Will your dog be able to stay in your house? Dogs need companionship and should not be kept outdoors or away from the family for extended periods. This can promote fearfulness, defensive or aggressive behavior.

These are labor intensive little animals. Depending on their age they may need to be taken out to urinate or defecate every 4 hours in the beginning, night and day. They need to be fed 3 times daily. Animals also need proper socialization and acclimation. This means visiting a lot of places and introducing your pet to many new and different environments. This will help prevent fearfulness of situations in the future. They need to visit the vet 2-5 times before they are 6 months old depending on the age you get them and the particular vaccination/neutering schedule your veterinarian recommends. They also need exercise and training classes. Adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise and, if possible, mid-day walks every day.

The initial purchase of a purebred puppy can be in the neighborhood of $200-1000. A shelter animal may run about $50-150 and rescue animals are about $200-300. Shelter and rescue animals will often have some or all basic vaccinations done and be neutered. Some may also have been tested for Heartworm infestations and intestinal parasites.

The first year of veterinary care can range from $350-800 with all the vaccinations and neutering. An average year of veterinary care can range from $75-300 depending on your veterinarian's recommendations of care and your choices. And don't forget food, depending on the size of the dog this can be a significant investment.

If you have your heart on a particular breed make sure to research it carefully to be sure it will fit into your family well. Just because it is so cute or gorgeous does not mean it will be a great dog for you. At shelters there are many great choices in puppy and adult dogs. Though you may have to be willing to accept whatever a mixed breed puppy will grow into.

A great resource for a reality check is a 'puppy talk'. Our technicians and receptionists can give you the low down on the care, behavior concerns, housebreaking techniques, vaccination information and other dog care subjects. You can schedule an appointment with a technician or the receptionists can answer most of these questions right on the phone.