There’s no question that owning a pet can be good for seniors.

The benefits are well documented, including lower blood pressure; lower risk of heart disease; reduced stress; reduced loneliness; increased activity; lower cholesterol; and improved overall health.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? But before you rush out and buy that dog, cat, or ferret, make sure you are making the right decision.

Before buying a pet for the senior in your life, make sure it’s something they want. Don’t surprise anyone with a pet. No matter how wonderful the animal is; pet ownership is a big responsibility. Make sure you have a thorough discussion about what benefits and drawbacks there are to pet ownership first.

Let the senior choose their own pet. You may love beagles, but your grandmother might want a quieter dog. Choosing a pet is sort of like dating, there has to be some chemistry or it won’t work.

Everyone involved in the decision about whether to get a pet for a senior should also carefully consider that person’s lifestyle. Does the older person enjoy going for walks? If not, then a dog would not be a good choice.

While puppies and kittens are precious and cute, consider getting an older animal instead. A mature animal is much more likely to be calm and previously trained, which may be a good fit for a senior. Check out your local animal shelter or purebred rescue group for information about wonderful, loving and more mature companions.

When discussing whether to get a senior a pet, consider their health and physical limitations. Having a large dog requires more physical strength and agility to handle it, so talk about which type and size of pet would work best.

Another very important point is who will care for the animal if its owner gets sick? Be prepared for this by making a plan for yourself or someone else to care for the animal if the owner becomes incapacitated.

While this might be a touchy subject, it’s also very important to know whether the senior can afford food and veterinary care. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has calculated the average annual costs of pet ownership including food, toys, treats, medical care and licensing.

A fish will cost about $20 a year to care for. A small bird will likely cost about $120. A cat could cost as much as $575 annually. A dog is the most expensive. The costs of caring for a dog can range from $620, for a medium-sized dog, to $780, for a large-breed.

And don’t forget that additional supplies like dog crates, pet cages, and training can add an additional $75 to $400.

These are only average costs, and can vary from region to region and on the health of the animal. Pet owners will tell you that the costs can go much higher if there are unexpected medical problems. So, make sure the new owner can afford to care for the animal, or make additional arrangement to help pay for pet care.

Seniors and pets make a great combination, but pet ownership also brings big responsibilities along with the joy.

If you or the senior in your life think they might want to get a cat there are lots of things to think about. Some questions pop into your mind right away, and others are less obvious. So make sure you do all your homework first.

What if the senior in your life decides they want a dog? In order to find out what type of dog is best for them, you both must think about what the senior is expecting from a dog.

Do they want a jogging partner? Do they want a dog that’s content to snuggle on the couch? Do they want a dog they don’t have to bend down to pet? Do they want a dog that can be lifted onto their lap, or cuddle in their arms while standing?

Although almost any dog can be trained to be a good family pet, some are better known for their tolerance and intelligence.

Puppies are heartbreakingly adorable, but one of the many benefits to skipping the puppy stage is starting off with a dog that may have already had training, and likely knows a general set of commands.

Another serious consideration when discussing whether to get the senior in your life a dog is what kind of home the dog will be brought into. Questions such as; is it an apartment? Is there a back yard? Are there good, nearby and safe places to walk the dog? Are all very important things to consider when deciding on the type of dog to get.

Make sure that you and the senior in your life think seriously about this important step, which is much like entering into a marriage. Bringing a pet into the family should be a lifelong commitment. A good place to start is by understanding that a pet should be considered a part of the family rather than a “collectible.”