Dear Savvy Senior: I have been thinking about getting a small dog or cat for my 72-year-old father. Since mom died a few years ago he doesn't get out much and I'm worried about him.

I think he would enjoy having a pet to take care of and keep him company. I've also read owning a pet is good for your health. What do you think?

-- Pet Loving Pam

Dear Pam: There's no question owning a pet is a good thing for many seniors, but is it right for your dad?

Here are some things to consider:

Talk it over

Before you go out and buy your father a furry friend, you need to talk with him about it to be sure it's what he wants and is equipped to handle.

Do not surprise him with a pet. Pet ownership is a big responsibility and ultimately needs to be his decision.

Here are some other points to think about:?

Commitment -- Does your dad have the health, energy and/or desire to take care of a pet? Cats and especially dogs can be a lot of work requiring food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day.

Space -- Does he have adequate room for a pet, or if he rents, is he permitted to have one?

Costs -- The cost of owning of a pet is often overlooked, but it shouldn't be. Can your dad afford this added expense? The annual average costs of what he can expect to pay for a small dog (including food, veterinary care, toys and license) is $420. Make that $620 for a medium dog and $780 for a large pooch. And the annual cost for a cat (including food, veterinary care, toys, treats and kitty litter) is around $550 per year.

Backup care -- If your dad travels, who will take care of his pet when he's gone? Animal boarding costs around $15 per day. And what happens to the animal if your dad gets sick or needs to move to an assisted living facility or nursing home?

Choosing a pet -- This is a very important decision and one that needs to involve your dad. Do some homework on different breeds and mixes to help him choose a pet with a personality that matches his lifestyle and living arrangements. For seniors, adopting a previously owned or older pet is a smart option because they're usually calmer, already house-broken and not nearly as rambunctious as a puppy or a kitten would be.