A pet management system and associated methods are configured for assisting an at least one user in caring for and training an at least one actual pet. In at least one embodiment, a central computing system is configured for receiving and processing data related to the at least one user and associated at least one actual pet. An at least one user device is under the control of the at least one user and in selective communication with the computing system. The system is configured for first teaching the at least one user how to care for and train an at least one virtual pet, configured for simulating the qualities and behaviors of the associated at least one actual pet, so as to better ensure that the user is sufficiently prepared for and capable of subsequently caring for and training the corresponding at least one actual pet, for which the system also assists in an ongoing manner.
