If you are away from home often and live alone you have to think about who would mind a dog if you got one, dogs cannot be left alone at home without someone to check on them occassionally, to feed them and walk them. There might be a neighbour or pet hostel who would take care of your dog while your away, if not then maybe a dog isn't a good option. Cats do not like being left alone either, despite their independence.

If you choose a dog you must remember they need to be walked once or twice a day and that they need space in which to live. This is particularly true of large breeds of dog such as St Bernards. Large dogs also eat a lot which must be factored into your costs.

A big dog can be useful, it can be trained to act as a gaurd dog for example and is a highly visible (and audible!) deterrent to potential burglars. Small dogs have unique advantages also - they take up less space, are usually very friendly and love playing, and they do not need long walks so are ideally suited for children and elderly.

Whatever your final decision, most important thing is to do your homework -- research facts and consider what will suit you best -- because if it doesn't suit you, your new pet will be unhappy also.

Alyssa Hallam is webmaster of AH Pet Her site has a comprehensive collection of information on all different kinds of pets, including a free newsletter, pet resources and articles. For great pet information, go to: http://www.ahpet.com

• Dog insurance coverage for emergencies begins immediately on most new dog health plans, with a 30-day waiting period for illness and other claims.

• Your dog’s age can affect your dog's health insurance coverage. Typically, policies begin veterinary healthcare coverage when dog is 6 to 8 weeks old, although some will start when dog is younger. Similarly, some dog health insurance companies only will cover dogs under 8 years old unless animal was already insured with them before turning 8.

• Many dog health insurers will not cover your pet if she has a preexisting condition or a terminal illness. Some will insure dog only if condition is controlled or stable, usually for 6 months.

With all these options, it is important you check out various dog health insurance companies, their pet insurance policies and corresponding dog healthcare plans.

In short, if you care about your dog, you should care about his health. If you care about your wallet, you should care about your dog's health insurance coverage, too.