Pets offer unconditional love and companionship. They help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and heart rate…and encourage you to be more active. But there are things to consider before you open your home to a pet.

Your energy level. Do you have the agility and time to train and run after a pet? A puppy, for instance, is not a good fit for someone who has limited mobility. An older dog or a small dog that uses pee pads might be a better choice. Perhaps you think that a cat will be easier—but some people don’t have the strength to clean a litter box.

Your finances. According to the ASPCA, the average cost of having a healthy dog is about $1,500 a year…and those costs go up if the pet has medical issues. But: There are services that can help. Example: Pets for the Elderly, a nonprofit that brings together shelter animals and older people in need of a loving companion, offers financial incentives to adopters over age 60, including reduced-cost adoption, assistance with veterinary costs and non-veterinary services from supplying pet food to toenail trimming. Information: PetsForTheElderly.org/
our-partners/participating-shelters.php.

Typical costs to adopt a dog vary from state to state and from region to region. A very broad average would be $50 to $250 to adopt a dog. If there is a breed you adore: Look for a rescue group at the American Kennel Club’s website (AKC.org). Their adoption costs typically are higher ($400 or more) than a shelter but not as much as buying a puppy from a breeder.

Your life situation. If you rent an apartment or live in a retirement community, find out if there are any pet restrictions. Also if you are older, consider whether a loved one could take the pet if you pass first.

Think about fostering: Some rescue organizations will cover a volunteer’s cost of fostering an animal until it is adopted. Do an online search for local rescue groups to contact.

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