:)

:) i have a question my family and i are stuck on the desision of either getting a small dog or a bird (any type) which is better if you have a 13 yr old daughter and a cat?

Do you have any experience with pets? I think you should RESEARCH before you decide to get either pet. It can't be influenced by the choices of an online message board. Remember, getting a pet is a lifetime commitment. A dog can live 15+ years and a bird 30+ years.

Please consider how much time and money you are willing to spend on a new pet.

We'd be happy to help you with whatever questions you have about birds or dogs! :)

Well, I have birds, and I can tell you they make wonderful, intelligent, and entertaining pets. I love them more than the world and they keep me happy and laughing all the time.
I know that dogs make wonderful and intelligent pets as well, so I understand why this must be a hard decision.

As Wolf_Q has said, the most important thing is to research about both birds and dogs........in depth. You will probably find a liking to both, since it seems you love both and are confused on which to choose, but do your research and choose the pet that's best for your lifestyle.

Dogs can be quite high demanding for their owners..........like very neccessary vet visits, vaccinations, registrations, etc. It can be expesive to fulfill all the requirements, so be sure you're ready. Also, some dogs can live to be like 15 years or many years more, so they do live quite long and are a commitment for as long as they live.

Same with birds. While they won't normally require vaccinations, and need fewer vet visits compared to dogs (though they still need them), they can be quite pricey too, and are a huge commitment, because depending on what type of bird you'll be getting, they can live from 15-100 years. Parakeets normally live 10-15 years on average, and they probably have the shortest lifespan amongst the parrots. If you want a more intelligent and responsive breed, cockatiels/lovebirds/conures make very wonderful pets, and can learn to talk well, imitate whistles, and are absolute clowns that bring such joy into your lives. They can live very easily 20-30 years, so again, big commitment. The only concern I would have about you getting a smaller bird........is that you have a cat. Unless you can easily provide the bird with an area completely safe and away from the cat, I wouldn't recommend a little/medium sized bird. Now a large bird.........like a macaw, cockatoo, or african grey could probably do a much better job protecting itself from a cat, and a cat probably wouldn't eye them as much.........but then you're looking into getting a pet that can cost several thousands of dollars just to get, and then they live for 70-100 years, so that is a total life long commitment. Even when you're 80 years old, you'll still be responsible for that bird, unless a younger family member can take responsibility. :p

Either way, both dogs and birds make wonderful pets. Its up to you to decide which one you can more easily handle. Benefits of a bird may include: amusement, no shedding *compared to a dog, they just molt once a year and otherwise don't shed more than a feather or two occasionally*, intelligence, long lifespan, ability to speak and whistle, and love. Benefits of a dog may include: extreme loyalty, protection, love, obedience, fun, etc. They're both wonderful pets, but its up to you to do the research and decide which one is best for your household and lifestyle. If you need further help, feel free to ask!

BTW, welcome to the site! :D

medium dog is best suited for MY life syle, BUT your house hold might be different, both birds and dogs take alot of responsibility.