Adopt or buy? How to decide

Before "adopt or buy?", ask whether you're ready at all. Cats live around 12–18 years and dogs 10–15. That's a longer commitment than any lease.

Ask yourself first

• Time: a dog needs walks every day, at least twice. A cat needs less, but still wants play and attention.
• Space: a small flat suits a calmer pet. Balconies and windows need netting before a cat moves in.
• Money: food, vaccines, check-ups and emergencies. See what a cat costs and what a dog costs.
• Travel: who looks after your pet when you're away?
• Is everyone at home on board? Allergies, young children, other pets, and your landlord.

Why adoption is a great choice

• Many cats and dogs are waiting for a home, often rescued from the street and treated.
• An adult's personality is already clear: calm or lively, good with children or not.
• Shelters have often vaccinated and neutered the animal, or help you do it.
• Baladi cats and dogs are usually robust and used to Egypt's climate.

Read how to adopt from a shelter for the steps.

When buying makes sense

• When you need specific traits for a clear reason, like a small size for a flat or a low-shedding dog.
• If you buy, buy from a clear, responsible breeder, not a page asking for a deposit. Read buying a pet safely.
• Never buy a kitten or puppy younger than 8 weeks. They need their mother and littermates until then; it's the standard in many countries, such as the UK's Lucy's Law. See why 8 weeks?
• Dogs need a licence from 3 months, and check banned and conditional breeds before choosing a breed.

Either way

• Meet the animal more than once before you decide, if you can.
• Ask about the vaccination card, health and the food it's used to.
• Get your home ready first. Read your kitten's first week or your puppy's first week.