Welcome to PetStarter

Are you thinking about getting a pet, but find yourself overwhelmed by the entire process? How much will it cost to purchase, feed, and care for a new pet?  Will the pet fit into your home or your lifestyle?  What equipment will the pet need?  Does the pet require exercise? Grooming?  How will the pet interact with friends, family, and other pets? 
 
With so many factors to consider, it is no wonder people have a difficult time choosing the right pet for their lifestyle.  Lack of planning can result in stress for the owner and abandonment of millions of pets each year.  According to The Humane Society of the United States, 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats were euthanized in 2013.
 
Owning a pet is a huge responsibility and requires careful planning and research.  Some dogs and cats will live with your family as long as a child will, and some reptiles and birds even longer.  Some pets take up a lot of space and require a lot of care and exercise.  Some take up little space and require little exercise or interaction.  With these and other factors to consider, it is difficult for even the most conscientious pet owner to sort out all the details.
 
PetStarter hopes to simplify this process so that prospective pet owners can select the best pet for their homes, and pets can be cared for in a safe and loving environment. Here is how PetStarter works:
 

  • Already know which pet you want?  Browse detailed pet profiles of several different species of pets; including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and small animals.  These profiles include specific information about cost, care, and temperament of these pets.
  • Unsure about what pet works for you?  Our Perfect Pet Wizard guides you through a series of questions and narrows the field of potential pets for your as you respond. 
  • Still need more information? Our community tab provides link to external websites, blogs, and social media content.

 For our beta launch, PetStarter is currently focused only on the most popular pets and breeds.  We will be adding additional pets in the coming months.  If you have a suggestion for a pet or breed that we should add, please let us know!

Ready to get started? Let PetStarter help you find the perfect pet!
 
 
References:
 
The Humane Society of the United States. (2013, September 27). Pets by the Numbers. Retrieved from http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/pet_ownership_statistics.html