You need to involve everyone in the decision; it needs to be a complete family decision. Pets take time, some need more than others. High maintenance animals are those that require regular exercise such as dogs[4] that need at least 2 hours of walking a day[5] and horses[6]. You must also take into account the cost associated with keeping and caring for a pet, which comes in the form of food, leads, cages, grooming aids, blankets/beds and the most costly of all, vet bills. The average cost of a dog over its lifetime is estimated at about £20,000[7]. You must also make sure that you have the space for your desired pet; some pets like horses and dogs require a lot of space whereas a hamster requires only a minimal amount. Some animals are more sociable than others, you must think about whether the pet will fit in with your family. Choosing a pet is lengthy process and one that can not be rushed, take your time to ensure you make the right choice.