Q: We want to add a pet to our family, but are having a hard time choosing. How do we decide?

A: Choosing the right type of pet for you or your family is an important decision that really shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, some pets, I’m thinking birds here, have life spans that see them outlive their human companions.

So, what are some things that you should consider before diving into the wonderful world of pet ownership? In my opinion, one of the first considerations should be lifestyle.

If your family is on the go or travels a lot, owning a dog might not make the most sense as dogs require daily care and maintenance. Any trip that you take that the pet isn’t participating in will mean you’ll need the services of a pet sitter or a boarding facility. For families like this, perhaps a feline companion would make more sense — cats can safely be left alone for a long weekend so long as they have multiple sources of water, a healthy supply of food and a clean litter box.

With that being said I would still recommend having someone pop in and check on your cat every day or every other day, but they certainly don’t need someone to stay in the home like a dog might. I bet some cats enjoy the alone time!

Snakes and pocket pets (like hamsters or gerbils) are also good options as, like cats, they do not require multiple interactions per day, so long as they have access to food and water.

Another important consideration is energy level which, of course, applies more to canine companionship than some of the other pet species. If you’re looking for a running or hiking partner, something in the pointer or hunting dog category might be a great option for you. However, if you have a less active lifestyle those breeds could prove disastrous.

A third important and possibly overlooked consideration is capital investment and cost of ownership. Purebred dogs and cats can cost a pretty penny, but exotic birds probably take the cake with some costing as much as five figures. On the other hand, adopted animals have a significantly more affordable price tag with just as much love to give.

Beyond the initial adoption or purchase price, annual cost of care should also be a factor. Things to think about include: monthly feeding expenses, annual veterinary expenses, preventative medication expenses, pet sitting or boarding expenses and grooming/maintenance expenses. Depending on your choice in species, the annual cost of ownership can be quite dramatic!

My hope isn’t to deter readers from pet ownership, but rather to encourage people to do their due diligence before committing to pet ownership.

Ask The Vet is a weekly series by Dr. Devon B. Smith, a Baltimore veterinarian who is an associate at Madonna Veterinary Clinic in White Hall. Send your pet questions or photos to vet@baltsun.com.