From the common cats and dogs to exotic animals, you  can find a variety of animals in people’s homes. Cats and dogs make great pets for houses and apartments, but their size matters a lot. They are almost always  kept indoors, except for the times when you need to take them for a walk, grooming or for physical training. Less demanding pets from this point of view are Guinea pigs, fish, turtles and  canaries.

Not  everybody affords to grow large dog breeds as house pets because the costs of maintenance, food and training are very high.  Moreover, there may be special grooming needs specific to certain breeds, not to mention  that large dogs need room to play. Long-haired cats can also be a nuisance if not groomed properly. Guide yourself by more than first  impressions when choosing house pets.

It is unfair to buy or adopt pets on a whim  and then realize you don’t like them. Be reasonable and practical, because it is cruel to toy with a life. Responsibility comes together with the joy of growing house pets: you need to provide food,  shelter, a healthy diet, medical and preventive care and lots of attention. The well being of the pet as well as your peace  of mind depend on your ability to correctly evaluate such situations. Heart and reason  meet in your choice.

A special category of house pets is that of dogs trained to assist physically challenged people with specific tasks indoors  and outdoors. There are very  complex forms of training for such animals, and they receive some form of certification after passing all their skill  evaluation tests. Only  then are they entrusted to a disabled user. Among the breeds with an almost  innate talent for such ‘jobs’ golden retrievers occupy a top position in people’s preferences.

Another issue that is often neglected by pets owners is that of health insurance. Did you know that you can dramatically reduce the veterinary bills by creating a health insurance policy  for your four-legged companion? On the average, very few house pets are insured particularly in the context of the  recession. Pet health insurance is good if you can afford  it.