By DR. FRED SELF / Veterinarian

When looking for a new furry friend, there are many factors to consider. Usually the first, but maybe least important, is cost.

Many free pets turn out to cost their new owner more than a high dollar pet might. This is usually because of health problems related to the reduced care taken to keep free pets healthy before they move to a new home. Being free usually requires having had little invested. This is not always the case, but tends to be more often than not. Here are a few things to consider, in addition to price, when getting a new pet.

It is important to see the parents and older brothers and sisters in person if possible.

Some problems can be hidden in pictures placed on the internet or on mobile phones. Seeing an individual in person can reveal hidden confirmation problems. Personal contact can also provide a chance to evaluate temperament.

If the parents and siblings look and act like they should then the one you pick should also have those good qualities.

Another good pre-purchase test is to create a problem that can be easily solved and wait for them to solve it. For instance, put the potential pet between a wall and a door facing the hinges and see if it can find its way back into the room. Put a light blanket or towel over it to see if it will try and find a way out or if it just sits and whines.

Put a treat under something like a towel or empty plastic cup and watch to determine if the pet to be can figure out how to get to it. These tests can show you how quick to learn and how easily trainable a future pet might be.

Another consideration is a health guarantee. If breeders or sellers are willing to give a guarantee, it often means they have a good idea that the puppy or kitten is healthy before you get it home.

A physical exam is also important. Have your veterinarian do a pre-purchase exam before you take final possession of a new pet. Certain conditions like heart murmurs can be hidden from view and cause problems in developing pets.

Most of us pick our pets based on emotion. There is nothing wrong with that.

But try to combine that emotion with some of these tests so your decision-making process is more complete.

Dr. Fred Self is a veterinarian at Shelbiana Animal Clinic in Columbiana, along with Dr. Charles Thornburg. You can reach them at 669-7717.