Adopting a new friend

As young professional I often find myself in a slightly lonelier place than I was in college. A few months back, I decided that the best way to assuage this feeling was to adopt a cat.

My boyfriend is always responsible. So when I told him that I had set a date to adopt a cat next month he began asking me a slew of questions. At first I was annoyed but slowly I realized that, as usual, he was right.

Getting a pet is always appealing but it's a big commitment that should be carefully considered. If you're thinking of getting a pet, here are some things I beg you to also think about:

• Commitment: Animals can live ten to twenty years. The life of a young professional changes a lot in that time. You may get married, move several times, or even (gasp) have kids. Your pet will be there through all of that. To me, that thought is extremely comforting. However, to you, nothing could sound more burdensome. You need to pick what's best for you.
• Cost: For those of us not raking in the dough, this is something to really contemplate. How much can you realistically spend on your new friend? Luckily, there are organizations, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty towards Animals that can help you figure this out. Their handy animal cost calculator can assist you in determining what new friend best fits your budget. 

 ***I want to put in a plug here: Buying from a pet shop or breeder may be appealing; however, I beg you to consider adopting from your local Humane Society or animal shelter. Not only are their pets adorable and in need of a home, you can often find a greater selection of animals at lower costs. For a low adoption cost (about $75 for cats and $90 for dogs) you will get your new friend along with all medical costs you may incur. Adopting takes almost $300 off the cost of getting a pet from a pet store.***

• Time: Each animal requires a different amount of time. For instance, large dogs need to be taken for long walks and be played with outside. As a new professional, do you have that time? I know that a cat is the best choice for me because they are more independent and would still be happy and healthy if I only have a few hours to spend with them at night. 
• Space: If, like me, you'll be living in an apartment for the foreseeable future, a German Shepherd may not be the best option for you. I want to get a cat because I knew they would be happy to live in a one bedroom apartment with no yard.
  

I hope that this list has helped you if you're thinking about getting a pet. This has been something I've been thinking about for a long time and I hope you can put the same amount of thought into it.