What makes a good pet? What doesn't?

If you don't have a lot of time to spend with a pet and don't like cleaning up after one, fish make perfect pets. If you are the outdoor type, have a big yard and really like interaction with a pet, a golden retriever would be a good pet.

An example of a poor choice for a pet would be a cat for someone who is very picky about his or her home. You know, most cats are very independent and don't take well to being told where and where not to sit (you'll find cat hair in places that you don't want it).