A: The first thing to do is discuss a budget. Food, heartworm preventative, flea preventative, veterinary care and sometimes emergency visits can be expensive.

Puppies and kittens tend to find ways to get into trouble early on in life. They are naturally inquisitive, and sometimes that can lead to problems. A good way to start a budget would be to call your veterinary hospital (you should have one picked out before you pick out your pet) and ask them the cost of a month’s supply of heartworm and flea preventative, routine puppy-kitten vaccinations, and spaying or neutering. Keep in mind that an emergency visit can easily run into the hundreds of dollars for a sick puppy or kitten.

Once you have your budget established, you need to decide whether you want a pure breed or you want to adopt a mixed breed. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

If you consider a pure breed, make sure you do some research on common problems (medical and behavioral). You want to be as prepared and knowledgeable as possible before you take your new pet home.

For those who are considering a mixed breed, the Animal Protection Society and the shelters have wonderful pets that are waiting for good homes. Some of these pets may already be spayed-neutered, microchipped, and some may have already been started on their vaccine series.

Once you find your new kitten or puppy the first thing you need to do is take it to your veterinarian for a checkup. Your veterinarian will look at any paper work you may have (vaccines given, other history) and discuss vaccines, preventatives, spaying/ neutering, microchipping, and any other questions you might have.

Make a written list of questions for your first visit; many times people forget their questions in the exam room.

With a good physical exam, vaccines started, heartworm and flea preventative started, and your questions answered, you will be well on your way to many years of companionship.

Erik Dorsch works at the Animal Hospital of Carrboro. E-mail questions for Ask the Vet to eloise@nando.com.