Things You Should Know Before Getting a Pet
Pets manage to bring so much joy into our lives with almost no effort. They make us laugh, console us when we are sick or angry and are always there for us. Unsurprisingly, an estimated 12 million homes maintain a pet. However, not everyone understands the human-animal relationship or realizes how much dogs help their owners. While owning a pet is rewarding, remember that it is also a huge responsibility. Below are a few things you should think about before getting a pet.
10 Things to Know Before Getting a Pet
Some of the greatest moments in life include the day we met our pets for the first time and the day we adopted them, and they came home with us. It's a good thing, yet the considerable lifestyle change should make you pause before adopting a pet. Will you have the time? Do you have the space? These are questions to ask yourself before marching off to adoption day at your local animal shelter. And here are ten things to know to ensure you're bringing a dog or cat into the best possible situation for you and them.
#1. Why do you want a pet?
Pets can be affectionate and adorable. They are, nevertheless, a lot of work, much like a baby. If the only reason you want a pet is to be their momager on Instagram or to have someone to cuddle up to on the couch every now and then, you might not be ready for a fur baby. You should also want to be able to dedicate your time, love, and patience to anything other than yourself. You should desire to nurture a living creature for its entire life.
#2. Is everyone in the house on board?
If other people live with you, it's worth having a household discussion before getting a pet. A pet is not a piece of furniture. They are a new family member. For example, if you live with roommates, are you expecting them to pitch in? If you have children, is your pet child-friendly? Is your partner allergic? While a puppy in a box always appears as a cute ‘surprise!' on tv shows and movies. In reality, this is the worst way to let other people know that there is now a living animal in their house that needs a lot of work and care.
Another thing to think about is your current pets if you have them. Will they get along? If you have a dog, is it the kind that would like a playmate or get jealous? Make sure every person and animal is on board before introducing a new pet into your home.
#3. Do you have the time and patience?
Pets, like humans, do not arrive in pristine condition. They are an investment, a living, breathing thing that needs your undivided care and devotion. Some puppies may even require you to take time off work as they adjust to their new environment.
This means you must assess if you have the time, patience, and ability to provide for all of your pet's demands. Before acquiring a pet, think about training or obedience school, daily walks, cleaning their ‘business' or homes, purchasing food and supplies, and so on! It's also worth considering whether you have the time and energy to devote to an animal with serious challenges such as separation anxiety, behavioral disorders, medical concerns, or destructive behavior.
#4. Can you afford it?
Many pets will require you to pay for their basic necessities. The cost of getting a pet includes everything from food to vaccinations, registration, leads, toys, huts, cages, tanks, grooming, bedding, and more. Consider if you have the financial resources to invest in a pet long-term. Especially if their needs necessitate continual maintenance and ongoing payments for feeding, grooming, shelter, and medical care.
#5. Can you have a pet where you live?
It's critical to find out if your place of residence allows pets. Double-check your tenancy agreement if you rent, reside in an apartment complex, or similar. Whether or not a pet is permitted in your home, as well as any associated charges.
You should also make sure that your home is pet-friendly. Do you have a yard for outdoor pets where a dog can run around? Is your fence secure against animal escapes or break-ins? Does the pet you want to be fit in with your neighborhood? (a rooster can be cute on a farm, but maybe not in the city). Also, ensure that the inside of your home is habitable for the pet of your choice, if necessary.
#6. Are you able to sustain the responsibility long-term?
Getting a pet is a significant time commitment. Furthermore, as pets grow, their animal demands may change. Your puppy may develop into a much larger dog with more food and medical needs as time passes. As a result, you must determine whether you are willing to care for a pet for the rest of its life.
#7. Do you have a vet?
If something were to go wrong, do you know of a local vet nearby or animal hospital? It is also worth checking in with a local vet when you get your pet, so they can keep you updated on annual health checks, vaccinations, and grooming needs.
#8. Have you planned what to do if you need to go away?
There may be times when you must travel for business or pleasure. Have you considered the best approach to travel with a pet if they are allowed to accompany you? Have you considered what you would do if this type of pet needs to stay put while you are away? Do you have a friend or family member who could assist you, or do you know of a pet boarding facility or a caregiver who could come and help you?
#9. Training
If you are thinking about having a pet, such as a cat or a dog, pet training (obedience training, behavioral training, and so on) is essential. Potty training is one of the fundamental skills, and there is no single, guaranteed approach for potty training success. You must devote time and effort to it. Dogs, for example, must be trained to be well-behaved, or they will ruin your home and create a massive mess for you to clean up. Pets that don't require much training include hamsters, rabbits, and birds.
#10. Have you thought about the pet that is best for you?
Even though sheepdogs are your favorite, if you live in an apartment and travel frequently for business, you may not have the time to provide a dog with the necessary energy. Perhaps you'd prefer a dog but don't have time for walks, so a cat is more your style. It is vital to conduct research to ensure that your chosen pet is most suited to your lifestyle. Consider what is best for you, the pet, and everything you should know to live a loving, happy life together.
Bottom line:
Having a pet may be more of a responsibility than a privilege. However, caring for your pet may be really rewarding while giving you much love and affection. Whatever pet you bring home, make sure you treat it well by providing it with everything it requires and teaching it how to act appropriately straight immediately. Though maintaining a pet requires time and money, we provide this guide to help you learn more about the obligations you may face. We can assure you that a little companion is worth of time.
