Bringing a new pet into the home is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make. As a veterinarian who has spent more than a decade in urgent care and emergency medicine, I can tell you that the joy a pet brings is unforgettable. What surprises families most is not the love that comes with a new pet, but the lifestyle shift that follows.
If you are trying to figure out whether your family is ready, here are the conversations, expectations and preparation steps I walk families through every single day.
Start with honest family conversations
Before you fall in love with a specific animal, sit down together as a family and talk through what daily life will look like once the pet arrives.
Who is actually going to handle feeding, walking, litter box duty and training? Kids are often enthusiastic in the beginning, but the long-term routine usually falls on the adults.
How much time does your family realistically have? Puppies and kittens need near-constant supervision, structured training and frequent vet visits. Adult rescues may need patience and stability as they transition to a new environment.
Are any family members easily overwhelmed, noise-sensitive or nervous around animals? Understanding everyone’s comfort level helps prevent stress for both the family and the pet.
A new dog or cat thrives when roles and expectations are clear before they ever walk through the door.
Consider lifestyle before breed
Families often choose a breed based on appearance, but what matters most is how the pet fits into your life. Energy level, temperament, grooming needs and daily activity requirements should guide your decision much more than looks.
Active, high-drive breeds can struggle in low-activity homes. Families who work long hours may find that a young puppy’s schedule is simply not compatible with their routine. Apartment living may be easier with a smaller or lower-energy companion, while some pets truly need space to run and explore.
Choosing the right match is about compatibility, not aesthetics.
Meet and greet with purpose
For adoptive families, the meet-and-greet moment is your chance to get a realistic sense of who the pet is. Notice how they approach new people, how they respond to gentle handling and how they behave in a new environment. Ask the rescue or shelter team about their history, any medical needs and notes on behavior.
For families with young children, look for animals who are naturally social, adaptable and not easily startled. A gentle, resilient temperament often matters more than age.
Prepare your home before your pet arrives
Before your new dog or cat comes home, take time to set up a safe, calm, predictable environment.
Put away medications, cleaning products and toxic plants. Hide electrical cords and secure trash bins. Close off balconies, garages or storage areas that may not be safe. Set up a designated rest area such as a crate, cozy bed or quiet room where the new pet can decompress. Pick up essentials such as food, bowls, a litter box, toys, a leash and an I.D. tag.
Just as important as the physical setup is planning the household routine. Decide where the pet will sleep, when meals will happen and what boundaries everyone will follow.
Can you afford it?
This is the question families often avoid, but it is just as important as choosing the right breed.
Vet care is expensive, and even the most responsible owners will face surprises. Puppies in particular tend to find trouble. In my ER days, some of the most common emergencies involved eaten socks, swallowed toys, dietary indiscretion and injuries from curiosity outpacing coordination. These cases can lead to X-rays, bloodwork, medications and sometimes surgery.
Even routine care has real costs. Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines, spay or neuter surgery, parasite testing, microchipping and regular checkups. Adult pets need annual exams, dental cleanings and preventive care. If you choose a breed prone to allergies, orthopedic issues or airway problems, long-term expenses can be significantly higher.
Before committing, make sure the family is ready not only emotionally — but financially. A pet should never be the reason a family experiences hardship. Planning ahead protects everyone, including the animal.
Understand the difference between babies and adults
Young animals bring curiosity, energy and developmental needs. Expect house training or litter training, chewing and scratching, socialization work and frequent vet visits. Puppies and kittens are wonderful, but they require time, structure and patience.
Adult pets often come with steadier temperaments and some basic training already in place. They may need reassurance and stability if they’ve had a rough past, but many settle beautifully with predictable routines and gentle guidance. For busy families or homes with very young children, adult dogs and cats are often the easier, more rewarding fit.
The first weeks set the tone
No matter the age, the early transition period is critical. Keep noise low and introductions slow. Give the pet a safe retreat space they can rely on. Stick to consistent feeding times and gentle structure. Use positive reinforcement to build trust and confidence. Avoid overwhelming them with attention, especially in the first few days.
A smooth, predictable start helps them feel safe, which shapes their behavior for months to come.
Know your why
Finally, take a moment to reflect on why you want a pet right now. The strongest families are the ones bringing home an animal because they truly want a lifelong family member, not a holiday surprise or an impulse adoption.
When your “why” is solid, the rest becomes much easier.
The takeaway
Becoming pet parents is a beautiful step, but it should be an intentional one. When families prepare honestly, understand the commitment and create a home built on routine and love, the transition is not only smoother, but deeply rewarding.
Dogs and cats give us their whole hearts. Before you bring one home, make sure your family is ready to give them the same in return.
Dr. Ezra Ameis, founder of Paw Priority, is a veterinarian who helps new pet owners navigate all the ups and downs of a puppy’s first year. From teething tantrums to socialization challenges, he knows how to make puppy parenting fun, manageable and full of adorable moments.
