LPT: If you're unsure about becoming a pet owner, foster through your local shelter. It's essentially like renting a pet while giving back to the community and after the foster period ends you can be sure if you are ready or not for pet ownership.

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Bonus LPT: Fostering is a great way to socialize your current pets with other animals as well. I was able to socialize my young dog by fostering kittens and slowly introducing the kittens to him