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Inviting a pet to share your home is a huge decision. Sure, pets are cute and cuddly and fun to play with but they are also a large responsibility.

There is a whole creature that is dependent upon you for its care.

In many cases, having a pet is not unlike having a child, the main difference is that eventually a child learns to talk and can tell you when something is wrong. With pets, you have to guess as most of them don't speak the same language we do.

Studies done in the last few decades have shown that there are actually health benefits to having a pet, especially if you live alone.

Having a pet can improve your mood. You have to be very determined to stay mired in your bad mood when you have a pet.

There is just something spirit lifting about your cat curling up on your lap and purring or your dog putting his paws on your knees and looking at you from under those doggie eyebrows.

Some research has shown that people with serious illnesses are two thirds less likely to experience severe depression if they own or have regular access to a pet. Pets have also been known to reduce a person's blood pressure.

Having a pet will encourage you to get your exercise your pets need exercise and it is up to you to make sure they get it, whether it means going for a walk with your dog or getting down on the floor and playing with your cat.

Perhaps the most notable benefit to having a pet is the way they keep us from feeling lonely or unloved. Pets are the best source of unconditional love there is.

Pets are a good idea for children as well. Taking care of small pets is a great way to teach your kids about responsibility and caring for others.

They also are a fabulous way to keep your kids from miring themselves in front of the television set or a video game.

Having a pet to play with keeps them active the same way that it keeps you active! They are also good for teaching your kids how to be patient with others and pay attention to the small details of behavior they see in others.

Before you get a pet, you should consider a few things. The first, of course, is you: do you have the time and energy to get a pet? Pets take up a lot of both!

If you do, then look at the amount of space you have in your home. Bigger animals require room to run and play, so a small apartment might not be the greatest place for, say, a St. Bernard.

It could, however, be a perfect place for an aquarium (fish need love too). You should also consider how much money you have pets cost money. They have food and vet bills and toys.

Pets are a wonderful addition to any household that can have them.

The decision to get one, though, is often life altering so make sure you really think about it before you take on the responsibility of one!