5 Things to Consider Before Getting A Pet
Are you considering adding a pet to your home and family? While bringing a new pet into the family is very exciting, there are some things you should consider before you make the decision to bring another pet into the mix.
Time. You might think just one pet won’t make much difference in terms of how much time you need to spend with them but that line of thinking can get you into a lot of trouble. Between, training, feeding, socializing, vet and/or grooming visits, and play time, you will have your hands full. This applies even if you are adopting a full grown dog or cat. If you’re adopting a puppy, you’re really going to have your hands full for the next year as you train that little baby. Also, you may think the new cat or dog will play with and do a lot of learning from your other dog or cat. To some extent, this may be true but you have to consider the fact that your other dog or cat may not be keen on a new dog or cat invading his territory. Acclimating the pets is just another whole layer of the time commitment and the acceptance factor can multiply it to a whole new level.
Cost. Pets cost money. It’s not just about buying another bag of pet food, either. In the excitement of selecting a new pet, sometimes people forget about all of the other expenses. Toys, pet insurance, grooming tools, pet sitters, medications, vet bills, wee pads, and much more. It’s always something and you need to be prepared for the unexpected. If you don’t have money set aside already, you might want to rethink this whole idea.
Commitment. How committed are you to this pet. Are you prepared for ten to twenty years of love and care for this pet no matter how costly, time-consuming or frustrating the process may be? Bringing a pet home is not all rainbows and sunshine, dogs need exercise, cats need playtime. Times can get tough and life can get really busy. No matter what life brings at you or your pets, you need to be in it for the long haul. Too many pets get brought to the shelters or abandoned after a year of more of being brought home.
Will the pet fit your LiveStyle?
Do you enjoy hiking and running or are you a couch potato? Are you about to make a major change in your life like getting married or having children? You will want a pet that fits in with your activity level and lifestyle. Choosing a pet based on how cute it is one of the worst ways to choose a pet. Often these “cute” pets get dropped off at an animal shelter because they were too much energy, too needy, too intolerant….the list is endless.
Where will you get the pet from? Are you adopting from the shelter? Getting a puppy or kitten from a breeder? No matter how you plan on obtaining the pet, each situation comes with its own unique set of circumstances. Carefully consider each one. From socialization issues, behavioral problems, separation anxiety, crying through the night, expenses and more, no scenario will be easy. Think about the challenges that come with getting a pet from any scenario. Talk to your pet professionals and other people who have been down this road before. You want to talk to people who will be real with you.
It might sound like we are trying to talk you out of getting another pet. That’s simply not the case. We just want to be real about the challenges that come with bringing another pet home. If you can realistically tell yourself that you are ready and willing for the challenges that come with the lifetime commitment of pet ownership, then go for it! Owning a pet is a rich and rewarding experience if you’re expectations are in balance.