Cat or dog? The care level for these two fur options is very different. Dogs require a lot more work while cats can pretty much fend for them themselves much of the day. Think honestly and mindfully what you can and can’t commit to at this time and choose accordingly. 



Consider allergies. If you or a member of your family is prone to allergies, consider a hypoallergenic breed. In dogs, poodles lead the parade and are often mixed with other breeds for this reason. There are other types of dogs that have hair instead of fur, which makes a difference. There are hypoallergenic cat breeds as well that include Balinese, Siberian, Sphynx among others. 

Make some decisions. Once your new family member is home, you need to all be on the same page and decide together the rules of the house. For example, will the dog or cat be allowed on the furniture? Is one person responsible for walking and exercising the pet? Once you decide the house rules, everyone needs to stick to them. 

Get some training. Especially for dogs, professional help might be a good option. Let everyone in the family participate, so each person knows how to handle all the situations that will arise. 

Find a good vet. If you’re not sure who to trust with the health of your little furbaby, ask your friends, family and neighbors, or post on a community site like Facebook or Nextdoor for recommendations. 

Do lots of research. From the multitude of web pages to books available about having a pet, you should be able to get all your questions and concerns answered from just a little googling. The more you know, the better you will be prepared for this big lovable change. 

If you are searching for a new home, please know San Joaquin Valley Homes is still busy building homes throughout the Central Valley. Our model homes are open daily, we offer private in-person appointments and our virtual tours are available on our website.