So you want a pet. Someone— something— to love, who won't talk back, who'll never pick a fight. Your only problem is deciding what kind: cat or dog, fish or fowl, big, small, purebred, stray, or something that lives in a large, escape-proof tank? Before you leap, ask yourself a few questions.

TIME: How much do you have? If you can't picture yourself taking several long walks daily, forget about a Lab, Golden Retriever, or any other active breed. A turtle might be nice.

SPACE: Do you have room for a Great Dane, or would a Pomeranian make a better fit for your two-bedroom house? Can you see yourself sharing your life with: a) a rabbit; b) a cat; c) a Doberman Pinscher? Do you have a backyard with a high fence?

HABITS: Do you travel on short notice? Keep a tidy house? Mind dog hairs on the couch, "accidents" on the rug? Any thoughts as to who will be doing the 11:00 P.M. walk, the weekly litter-box change, the fish-tank slime removal?

COMMITMENT: The average life span of cats and dogs is 12 to 20 years; hamsters, two years; rabbits, 10; goldfish, 20 minutes to 30 years; parakeets, 50 years.

MONEY: Remember what your mother said about falling in love. It's as easy to fall in love with a guinea pig (about $150 a year) or a canary ($130 a year), as a pot-bellied pig ($400 a year).

Still on the fence? Check out www.selectsmart.com to test your fitness for pet ownership.