Knowing what to expect before adopting a pet can help make the transition to pet parenthood as smooth as possible. Here are ten things you need to consider before you bring a dog, cat, or other pet into your home.

1. Do you have permission from the landlord?

If you’re renting, you’ll want to get permission from your landlord to bring a pet into your home in advance. It’s also important to note that even pet-friendly rentals may have species, weight, or even breed restrictions. Also, consider the length of your lease and if you plan on sticking around for a while; if you move, you’ll need to ensure your next home accepts your pet, too.

2. You may need to adjust your schedule.

Different pets require different amounts of time and effort, but all pets need regular care and company. If you want every member of the household to participate in pet care it’s a good idea to draw up a schedule of who in the family will help with the care of your new pet, including playing, feeding, grooming and walking.

3. You’ll never poop alone.

Your four-legged friend sleeps on the bed, watches your favorite shows, and keeps you company while you cook dinner — so don’t be surprised if they’re all up in your business while you’re doing your business. Go ahead and close the door, but they might scratch and whine. Or invite them to curl up at your feet. Who needs privacy, anyway?

4. Pets can be expensive.

You’ll need to budget for food, vet care, grooming, boarding, pet sitter, and other costs associated with having a pet. Pets for adoption from shelters and rescue groups are already spayed and neutered, vaccinated and microchipped — services that can cost hundreds of dollars. When you adopt a pet, you not only save a life; you save a lot of money.

Getting pet insurance or establishing a savings account will help with unexpected costs, but it’s vital to consider the upfront costs when thinking about adding a new pet to your household, as well as the long-term financial obligations.

5. Don’t adopt a pet on a whim

While it can be tempting to adopt a pet because you feel it’s love at first sight, take a few days to consider. You need to make a real commitment to care for your pet for their entire life — which can be up to 20 years. Take the time to prepare your home, plan, get your finances in order, and make sure that you are fully prepared to commit to your pet.

6. There’s an ick factor.

Ask any pet parent: Poop happens. Vomit, too. Whether you’re scooping a litter box, picking up on a walk, or (oops) cleaning up an accident, it’s important to feel comfortable with all the bodily fluids your adorable companion produces. “Most people can get into a routine to clean up pet hair and all the other things that come out of dogs and cats and focus on all the wonderful benefits of having pets. It makes the cleanup worthwhile.

7. Plan on pet hair everywhere.

Keep the lint roller handy. Your favorite sweater and the shirt you plan to wear to work will inevitably be covered in hair — even if you have a non-shedding dog. Do a quick once over with a lint roller or wear a T-shirt that declares “dog hair is glitter” and embrace it.

8. Older animals make great companions.

Puppies and kittens get a lot of attention at shelters, but don’t overlook older animals. Senior pets are as loving and loyal as their younger counterparts and are often easier to care for because they’ve outgrown puppy-like behaviors such as teething or potty accidents.

A great benefit to adopting an adult pet is that you know exactly what you’re getting. Their size, weight, and personality are already developed, so you can choose them for what they are rather than for what you hope they’ll be when they grow up. When it comes to choosing the right animal to adopt, prospective adopters should keep an open mind and ask questions.

9. Socialization matters.

You might be your dog’s BFF, but he needs other friends, too. Dogs need training and socialization to learn how to be healthy and happy members of the family, and that responsibility falls to you. Look for options like group obedience classes, take dogs on outings to the park or dog-friendly shops and restaurants, and introduce them to new people (and other dogs) to ensure your dog is calm and well-adjusted.

10. Make your home pet-friendly.

Before adopting a pet, make any necessary modifications to your home, yard, and fence (if you have one) to provide for your pet’s safety. Securing furniture, locking away cleaning supplies, fixing screens and doors — there is plenty to do to pet-proof your home.