Ask yourself these questions before you decide to add an animal to your family:

• Why do you want a pet?
• Does your job require you to travel a lot or work long hours?
• Will you make sure your pet receives regular veterinary care?
• Will you create a backup plan to care for your pet in case you can't arrive home on time or must travel?
• Will you make prior arrangements with responsible friends, a professional pet sitter, a doggie day-care center or boarding center when you need to be away?

Dog-specific questions

• Do you recognize that dogs are social animals that need interaction with people and other animals?
• Will you invest the time to properly socialize your puppy or dog and enroll him in a basic obedience class or puppy kindergarten?
• Will you walk your dog at least twice daily - before and after work for 20 minutes or more each time?
• Will you make sure your dog has bathroom breaks at least every 5 or 6 hours?
• Will you schedule weekend time engaging in fun activities with him?