MOST potential pet owners understand that taking on a new pet is a lot of work, but what people may not realise is that being a responsible owner actually begins before they even get a pet. 

It is very important to research the possible new pet’s needs before making the decision to offer a home to one. 

More information on researching pets can be found by visiting pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/choosing-a-pet  or puppycontract.org.uk .

When you feel you are ready to become a responsible pet owner, use these tips, from leading vet charity PDSA, to help when choosing a new pet.

It’s a good idea get your new pet checked over by a vet as soon as possible, to ensure that they are happy and healthy.

The vet will also be able to discuss with the new pet’s health considerations, such as regular treatments for worms and fleas, vaccinations, neutering, microchipping and diet.

Make sure to get a kitten or puppy from a reputable re-homing centre or reputable breeder where you are able to see the offspring with their mother, if possible.

Avoid buying dogs or cats from the internet, adverts or puppy farms as this can make it very difficult to assess their health.

It’s best to think carefully about anywhere that advertises more than one breed and avoid anywhere that their are  doubts about.

If new to owning a pet, it’s a good idea to take someone else along with some knowledge about kittens and puppies when visiting the place  the animal his coming from.

Make sure to check that the kitten or puppy has been raised in a hygienic environment and has been exposed to everyday sights and sounds, such as the TV and vacuum cleaner.

This will help ensure the pet is used to the hustle and bustle of everyday life does not grow up to be afraid of these things.

Do research before buying a small pet. Rabbits are sociable animals and should be purchased in pairs. A neutered male and neutered female is the best combination for happy rabbits.

Gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters - make great pets for animal lovers who are low on space and that spend a lot of time away from home during the day, but remember that hamsters are more active at night and can resent being woken up in the day.

Talk to a specialist retailer about feeding requirements and the type of housing, toys and other items needed to get started with a new small furry pet.

Make sure the new pet stays with their mother until a suitable age. This will vary according to the type of pet, but for puppies, a reputable breeder would only allow them to leave their mother when they were at least eight-weeks-old – some breeders prefer to wait until 12 weeks.

Kittens usually part from their mothers when they’re also about eight to 12 weeks of age.

Stock up with things you’ll need once you’ve chosen your new companion and before they come to their new home – such as a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, appropriate food, litter tray and cat litter for cats, and poo bags for dogs.

Coming to a new home can be a stressful experience, so make sure there is a quiet, comfortable area set up away from any hustle and bustle so the new pet can retire to this when they become tired.

That’s one of the reasons why Christmas is a bad time to adopt a pet – people might not have enough time to devote to getting a new pet settled in.

For more free information on your new pet’s needs and advice on how to meet them, visit pdsa.org.uk/pethealth .