You had made an important decision to adopt an animal. Congratulations, there's nothing which compares to the unconditional love of sharing your life with a fur-baby. They'll always be there with you no matter the circumstances. So, make sure that you will be able to be there and care for them as you should.

Animals deserve your time and love. There are way too many animals who are already neglected and mistreated. When you bring an animal into your life, you are taking a huge responsibility. There are several things you need to consider: Is there anyone home during the day? Will your animal be left alone and unattended for several hours at a time? Is it an inside or outside animal? If they are inside, have you provided them with: plenty of exercise room, toys and noise for entertainment and companionship, enough food and water and have you taken all the necessary saftey precautions to keep them from harming themselves? Have you put everything up that you would like to keep away from teeth marks?

If they are outside animals: Do they have a place to stay cool/warm? Do they have plenty of toys, food and water? Are all the dangerous and poisonous materials beyond their reach? Is your fencing adequate to keep them safe, but also provide them with enough running room?

I know if you work all day, you're tired in the evenings when you come home, and you are ready to finally be able to sit down and relax. If you're too tired to play physically with your fur baby, then let them curl up on your lap. Make sure you stroke them while talking to them. It lets them know they're loved and just like you, they need touch and positive physical interaction.

Depression and lonliness can effect animals as well. It's your job to make sure they do not get lonely or depressed. A little love and attention goes a long way with animals. They can sense when they are loved, just as they can when they are not.

Animals who are depressed can show it in many different behaviors: excessive barking, lethargy, anxiety/nervousness, excessive grooming, self-mutilation or destructive behavior, weight loss/gain, sulking or aggression, change in personality, increased clinginess and attachment and loss of appetite. (Symptoms from PetAlive). If you notice any of these behaviors in your animals, try to spend extra time with them. If the symptoms do not improve, take them to your veterinarian.

A relationship between a human and animal is a beautiful thing for both involved. With just a little effort on your part, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences for you and your pet. After all, they are an important part of the family. Make sure you treat them as such.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

Tracey Wilson is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writers.