Guest Author - Sharon Schmidt

I have heard people ask, how many animals is enough. For my family, we have quite a few and if you ask my kids, they would tell you there is never enough and there should never be a limit. Recently in our local news, there was a story of a family who had a snake that got into the neighbor’s yard. This launched an investigation where it was discovered they had lots of dogs, cats, and various animals. They were over the limit for what the city allowed. So the animals were removed.

I have had several people tell me that in their city, there are limits to how many animals one can own. Is this right? Well it’s a matter of opinion. In one city, there is a limit of three dogs. Anything over that and one must pay a kennel fee.

With the animals we own, I checked with my local health department and found there is no limit to what one can own in our city. The only thing we had to consider is you could not own a lizard over two feet.

So if you plan on adding new additions to your family, it is important to do the research and check locally to find out the ordinances and if there is a limit to what you can own and how many.

Once you have established how many animals you can own or that there is no law that limits you to ownership, then you have taken the first step. Now let's assume you love animals as much as my family and wish to add a bunch to your home.

Before deciding how much is enough you should ask yourself several questions:

1. Do I have the space for another animal?
2. Do I have the proper housing, cages, supplies needed?
3. Have I educated myself on the proper care?
4. Can I afford the veterinary bills, vaccinations, etc
5. Can I afford the food for another animal?
6. Do I have the time to spend quality time with the animals?
7. Do I have a plan for my animals in case of an emergency?
8. Do I have someone to take care of my animals if I go on vacation?

If you answered yes to all or most of the questions above then the sky is the limit. Add all the new additions to your family you can enjoy and have fun.
However if you answered no to the questions above, then maybe you should enjoy the animals you already have and reconsider purchasing that new addition.

The way I look at it is if it ever becomes too overwhelming, or too much of a chore, or taking care of my animals takes over all my time and there is no time to enjoy them and give them the love they need and deserve,that is when it will be time for me to say, enough is enough.