I am looking at getting a new pet but what?!

This is something my wife and I have struggled with over the years. Really wanting a pet but not sure if we are 100% committed to the responsibility that comes with it. Rescue dog sounds like a good idea as it would be a bit older and therefore less commitment. Do you have any friends with pets that you could borrow to do a test run for a week or two?

Firstly i'd say having a dog for a pet is great and really worth the time and expense. But if this is your first pet then you might be better looking at a adult dog.

Puppies are a big commitment and need alot more attention and care than an older dog, this can be difficult if you are working during the day as well. Also you wouldn't need to worry about house training it!

Have you had any thoughts on what breed you might want? If you don't mind, then a rescue dog is a good option as you would be giving an unwanted pet a home.

My daughter and I wanted to get a rescue dog earlier this year and visited the local RSPCA and really fell in love with a 7 month old lurched cross dog called Flo. Having agreed with the kennel staff that we would likentongive her a home when we went back to reception to fill in the relevant paperwork we were discounted because I work!!! I was told that it was unfair for the dog to be kept by itself all day even though I only work 4 days a week and it would have had the run of a fairly large secure back garden whilst we were out. Needless to say my daughter was devastated and couldn't understand their principles and as she rightly pointed out "but it's locked up in a cage". I know that they only want the rescue pets to go to good homes and it is a big responsibility and commitment but surely you should not automatically be dismissed because you have a job! We would still like to get one but obviously there is more expense involved by getting a dog elsewhere. The RSPCA do still request a £100 fee so it is not entirely free but it does make more sense to provide an older dog with a new home. I know I am stereotyping but the majority of the dogs in the rescue home were those that are obtained by individuals that sit on their bums all day claiming from the state! Good luck anyway Bandit. I think pets can add an extra dimension to your life and dogs especially. It costs nothing to walk them and I had been looking forward to days out with my daughter with our new family member as it is a great way to exercise and get out in the fresh air and spend time together. Hopefully we will still get the chance to do so in the future.

Please, please don't get a pet until you are really sure about the commitment. Dogs and cats are wonderful companions and give unconditional love, but you cannot just go off on a trip or leave them alone for long periods. It sounds as though you are still at the stage of having a 'fancy-free' life and I'm sure that you have a good social life and go away on holidays. Maybe best to wait until you are sure that you can give the time and care to a pet. When you do get one, you will get a huge amount of joy from it.

A dog is a great pet and companion but remember any pet is for life so make sure you are fully committed before getting one.

I read your question with interest, I'm not an animal person, I have other responsibilities that take priority and I know that an animal would be another responsibility that I do not want or need. I think that fact that you don't want to be tied down for upwards of 10 years with a dog could signify that you are not ready for a pet yet. If you like to go on holiday, long weekends away or on nights out and work full days than remember an animal is a tie that needs to be looked after and can't always be left alone for long periods.

I know that the guide dog for the blind sometimes look for people to take on dogs for a few weeks at a time to allow them to experience new things in their training, or see if the local dog or cat home needs some volunteers - do the good, bad and ugly that comes with owning a pet without the commitment and make a decision from there.

I hope that I have offended anyone with my comments.

You could do worse than a retired greyhound they are beautiful, mild mannered dogs, who will give lots of love and enjoyment in return for food and a couple of walks a day.

I think you should sit down and right down all the pros and cons, and then figure out how you would deal with the cons, all the while having the welfare of the animal as the deciding factor of whether you have successfully dealt with that con. Pets are a lot of work, even when you adore them, it doesn't matter whether they are old or young. If you aren't yet at the stage where you could happily look after an animal long term (I can only have a cat because I live with my family, so there is always someone around when one/more of us go on holiday etc.) then I honestly don't think get one. Also, you seem to be concerned about being 'tied down' but I think you need to also prepare yourself for the opposite reaction. You could get a lovely older dog, and then come to realise that you will lose them far sooner than you want to - our cat is part of the family now, and if you get a pet it could well become part of your family, right now it seems like the possibility of that level of attachment isn't something you can imagine, but it is worth having that in your list, both as a pro and a con.

It is very nice to hear of someone being so sensible and thoughtful about this - lots of people just rush in and assume they will be able to cope.

Essentially, my advice is, if you aren't sure, wait. It sounds like you will have a dog at some point, but if you are holding back now there is probably a good reason. There are lots of dogs, so there is no pressure to get one now. Good luck whatever you decide!