If you’re like a lot of small dog owners, you just can’t stand to be parted for any length of time from your pride and joy. Taking your dog with you is as basic a proposition as leaving the house with hair done up, makeup applied, and purse in tow. Let’s face it, when buying outfits for your four legged friend is as important to your overall appearance as matching a top and bottom to your shoes, then it’s time to admit that your pet has taken on the importance in your life that is usually reserved for humans. It’s no hard thing to imagine this scenario, as an adorable puppy or miniature dog who hops into your arms to be carried around is easy to fall for.

Taking care of a lovable sidekick is important. They rely on their owners completely for virtually everything, and if left to their own devices, having lost their wild instinct, might well not survive. So it’s up to their caregiver to provide food and water regularly. Bathroom walks should happen at least twice a day. A comfortable, padded sleeping area is a nice touch to provide for your pet, unless it shares your bed or sleeps on the couch or other soft space.

All of these are the basics comforts that one needs to provide for a loved pet. However, there are optional, additional things to consider when being the sole provider for a pet. Included on the short list of extras is the mind relaxing purchase of pet insurance. There are many health scares and real issues, such as your dog getting into your chocolate stash, that require medical attention. Just as doctors and nurses for people cost quite a bit of money, so too do medical personnel trained to handle your pet’s medical issues. Insurance is a wise choice to provide a safety net.