So Your Kids Want a Pet: 8 Questions to Ask Before Picking One

While there's often a single driving force behind the decision to add an animal into the mix of your family, it's important that everyone's on board before you make the leap. If anyone's allergic, afraid, or just not into the idea, then figure out a solution, or table the conversation until circumstances have changed.

Study up on your breeds before you make your decision. You won't want to bring a dog with a tendency toward aggression or dominance into a house with babies or little kids. In addition to opting for a breed (or mutt!) that offers family-friendly qualities, make sure that everyone's comfortable with the actual dog under consideration as well.

Photo: Lisa Horten

What's your household like on an average day? Who's home? Where's your pup going to get his stimulation, and how's he going to get exercise? Don't set yourself up for a guilt trip. Pick a pet whose needs you can meet, not one that needs three walks a day when you barely have time for a stroll down the block.

Different pets require different levels of care and attention. While a fish, turtle, or even cat is A-OK for hours on end, dogs need attention, affection, and, of course, bathroom breaks. If both parents work, will you have a walker come to the house in the middle of the day? How about if you get stuck at the office late? If your family travels frequently, a reliable (and available) pet sitter is essential.

Source: American Kennel Club

Think about the "state of the union" in your household before you rock the boat. If you're already dealing with a new baby, new house, new job, or even a child going through a tough time in school, you may want to wait until things have settled down a bit to bring on your furry (or scaly) new addition.