Tips help pick the perfect pet

Great Dane or guinea pig, adding an animal to your family is a big decision. Wichita veterinarian Christen Skaer and experts with the Kansas Humane Society offer things to consider.

Birds

People who enjoy and appreciate birds outdoors often consider buying one as a pet — and they can make great companions.

Time: Some large domestic birds, such as parrots and macaws, can live up to 70 years, which makes ownership a lifelong commitment. Smaller birds such as parakeets have an average life span of 10 to 12 years.

Feeding: A well-balanced diet is crucial — and a lot of work. In addition to commercial seed mixtures, birds should get fresh fruit and vegetables daily, and leftovers should be discarded before they spoil.

Hygiene: Birds can be messy if not cared for properly. Cage linings should be changed daily, and food and water bowls cleaned. At least once a week, the cage and other items — perches, mirrors, toys, etc. — should be cleaned with soap and hot water.

Noise: Tweets and flutter sounds are part of owning a bird. Some may be taught to talk, sing and do tricks. Large breeds’ voices can be piercing, though, especially if left alone too long.

Cost: A bird can cost $8 to $1,000 or more, depending on the type. Maintenance costs vary greatly as well, but all require food, cage supplies and veterinary care.

Dogs

There’s nothing like a dog for companionship, but not all dogs are alike. Temperament, energy level, grooming requirements and life span vary greatly by breed. A puppy requires more supervision than an older dog. And don’t assume that small dogs are easier.

Time: Pack animals by nature, dogs do best when they spend as much time as possible with their human family. If most of your family is gone most of the time, a dog is probably not right for you.

Hygiene: Expect accidents during house-training — and poop to scoop long after. Hair also is a factor, though some breeds shed less than others. Dogs need to be bathed regularly and have their nails trimmed.

Noise: Terriers and toy breeds tend to be the most vocal, but any dog can annoy the neighbors.

Cost: Dogs are among the most costly pets. Expect to spend about $500 a year on food, veterinary care, vaccinations, flea control and supplies — and more if the breed requires professional grooming, or if you travel and would need a kennel or pet-sitter.

Children: Experts suggest waiting until your youngest child is at least 3 before introducing a new dog. Small children should never be left alone with any dog.

Before you buy: Research breeds carefully, and consider adopting from a shelter or rescue group.

Pocket pet

So-called “pocket pets” include hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs and rats. Rabbits and ferrets also are popular companions.

Time: Even small, caged pets benefit from daily handling and interaction. It’s the best way to establish trust and get to know the animal’s personality.

Hygiene: Most animals self-clean, but their cages require frequent maintenance.

Biting: Rodents nibble both to explore their environment and to maintain their incisor teeth, which grow continuously. If not socialized properly — or if startled or awakened from a nap — some will nip or bite.

Cost: An average hamster costs about $6. But supplies — cage, food, bedding, vitamins, chew sticks and exercise toys — can exceed $200 a year.

Children: Pocket pets are best with children who are gentle and won’t be scared off by an errant nibble. They can disappear easily if kids aren’t careful. Many live only a few years, so tiny funerals and discussions about death are part of the equation.

Cats

Cats recently surpassed dogs as the most popular pet in America. The following refers to cats kept indoors most or all of the time.

Time: Cats are more independent than dogs but still require consistent interaction to feel secure. Because they can jump and get into tight areas, cat-proof your home — tie up drapery pulls, hide electrical cords, secure window screens, shut appliance doors and get rid of poisonous plants.

Hygiene: Cats groom themselves, but long-haired cats need frequent brushing and hairball preventative. Have a separate litter box for each cat. Scoop it daily and change litter at least weekly to avoid foul odors and prevent your cat from using other areas of the house.

Claws: Cats can damage furniture, draperies and more with their natural need to scratch. Most experts advise against declawing, however, and say owners instead should trim nails regularly and train cats to use scratching posts.

Cost: “Free” kittens abound, but there’s no such thing as a free pet. Expect to spend about $400 a year on food, veterinary care, vaccinations, litter, flea control and supplies.

Children: Experts suggest that children be old enough to understand that the cat is not a toy in order to avoid injuries to the cat or the child.

Fish

You can’t cuddle with them, but fish can be soothing and make great pets. These guidelines refer to goldfish and betta fish, not fancy varieties that require elaborate tanks.

Time: Not a lot of special care or attention is required, but you can’t set a bowl on the mantel and forget about it, either. Fish need to be fed and their bowls cleaned regularly. Get a book on fish care or find a good Web site to learn how to care for your pet.

Life span: Experts swear that a goldfish can live 20 years or more with proper care, but most parents will tell you they seldom last more than a few months. Betta fish live two to three years.

Cost: Once again, there’s no such thing as a free pet — even though you might have won it at the State Fair. Goldfish cost pennies at most pet stores, but the bowl, food, gravel and accessories add up.

Children: A fish can teach children about pet ownership and responsibility, but be warned: Once the novelty wears off, Mom’s usually stuck cleaning the bowl.