In this fun and information filled guide, veterinary surgeon Chris Brown leads the reader through every stage of the process of selecting a family pet. The author's own story of growing up as the son of a vet, living on a farm and studying to become a vet himself is woven through the book. Important topics covered in a fresh, quirky, engaging way include the reasons for and benefits of owning a pet; awareness of the responsibilities and demands of pet care; and the logistics of finding a pet and knowing if it is happy, healthy and headed for your home. The final section, The Best Beasts, is a comprehensive collection of pet profiles that includes a pet to suit every kind of family: from chickens and hermit crabs to the top breeds of cats and dogs, from guinea pigs and sea monkeys to cows and Siamese fighting fish. Serious factual content is presented in an accessible, entertaining way, reflected in the photographs of top pet choices and selections from Chis Brown's own two and four-footed family photo album. Anecdotes, hints and useful tips appear throughout.