If you're a pet person, then you understand that the best thing about having a pet IS your pet (and definitely NOT the chewed couch you came home to yesterday).

It's difficult to have a pet and a job. So find fun things for you to do with your pet after work and on the weekends. You'll both relax. You'll get to know and love each other. And you'll feel less guilty.

One of the most ideal parts to pet ownership is that the activities you can do together are usually free. And can bring about a chance encounter with that cute guy or gal you've seen around lately. Walking or jogging in the park, playing fetch, hiking, having lunch on a pet-friendly patio are all great diversions for both of you - and do we need to even point out that the people-watching potential is excellent.

Cats obviously aren't as keen to walking on a leash to head into the great outdoors though many of them do love to go outside. So if you let your kitty run free, be sure to live in a safe area, with minimal traffic. By far, the least fun activity to do with a pet is to rush them to the emergency clinic. Trust us on this.

For those forever apartment-bound pets, spend a few bucks on treats and toys. Everyone likes gifts and surprises. Why would your pet be any different? Get yourself something too. You both deserve it.