How long is a lifetime?

1. How old will you be 15 years from now?
   
   
2. How many times do you think you might move in the next 15 years? Are you willing to move the pet too, and restrict your choice of housing to places where pets are allowed?
   
   
3. Will you change jobs? A new job that requires travel or long hours could mean extra boarding or pet sitting expenses. Will you have enough time each day to exercise your pet?
   
   
4. What other major changes might happen in your life in the next 15 years? Marriage? Children? Are you willing to continue spending the time, energy, and money to care for your pet when taking on new responsibilities? Are you willing to re-train your pet so its behavior is acceptable to a new roommate, spouse, or child?
   
   
5. If you are getting a pet for kids you have now, how old will they be in 15 years? Will you still want this pet after the kids move out?
   
   
6. Have you previously owned a pet you didn't keep for at least 10 years? If so, what happened to it? What will you do differently to ensure a new pet has a home for life?

© 1997 - Humane Education Committee, Champaign County Humane Society, 1911 East Main, Urbana, IL 61801 USA