6 Things to Consider Before You Get a Pet

Pets require a lot of dedication, but sometimes, this is forgotten because of how good company they are. Pets are a great addition to any household. They can be a source of love, companionship, and entertainment. However, they require a lot of attention and care. You should decide on the type of pet that you would like before looking for one. Some pets require more work than others while some may not be suitable for your living situation or lifestyle. For example, if you have allergies or are allergic to animals, maybe a fish is best for you instead of a furry or feathered animal.

There are many things to consider before getting a pet such as size, age, and the amount of time you will be able to spend with it. Just please keep in mind, while a pet may only be a small fraction of your life, you’re going to be the one that’s in their entire life. So you need to understand that pets are a major commitment, not years, but sometimes decades. So, here are six things you must consider before you look into getting your home a furry friend.

1. Where will you put your new pet?

Pets are part of the family, but they need a place to call their own. Whether it’s a pet house, kennel, or crate, you’ll want to make sure your new pet has a safe and comfortable place to live. Not even just where they’ll sleep or hang out during the day, but you’ll need to think about whether your space can meet their needs. 

Think about dogs for instance, if you’re wanting a big dog, but live in a small space, then keep in mind that’s essentially torture to them. As they need to run around often. It’s similar to cats as well, they love exploring and being out in nature.

2. What kind of animal should you get?

Dogs and cats both have their pros and cons. Cats are independent and do not need to be walked, but they can be more territorial. Dogs are more social animals, but they require more attention like walks and grooming. Of course, there are so many other pets you could consider too such as fish, reptiles, birds, or rodents. 

On top of the type of pet that fits your personality, home, and lifestyle, you also can’t neglect the needs of an animal and its maintenance. There are more than enough reasons to spay and neuter your pet and this is going to also need to be something that has to be done as well.

3. Do you have experience with this specific kind of animal in the past?

A lot of pet shops, breeders, and shelters are fairly uneasy about handing over animals to someone who has zero experience. So, if this is your first time ever getting a pet, just realize you may struggle with getting one. Also, if you have experience, how much experience do you have? Enough to properly take care of and nurture this little life?

4. Will you be able to provide enough time for your new pet?

It is not easy to balance a busy schedule with a new pet. This is why you need to make sure that you have enough time for your new pet. If you don’t have enough time, then it might be better to adopt an older pet or find a friend that can take care of your animal when you are away. But think about it, if you barely have any time to yourself, you’re rarely at home, then why get a pet? It’s not going to get the love, care, and attention that it deserves. While dog walking or pet sitting services are great, pets prefer hanging out with their owners the most.

5. Is your home and yard ready for the pet’s needs?

Pets need a place to live and play. Whether it’s a home or yard, they need an area that is comfortable for them and not just for their owners. Some people will choose to build a home for the pet, while others will want to create a space in their backyard. Either way, it is important to make sure that the space has enough room for both the pet and the owner. 

It is also important to make sure that there are no hazards in the area. This could include things like plants with thorns or anything that could harm the pet if they were to chew on it.

6. Is your energy level ready for responsibility & caretaking of the new resident in the house?

Your pet is technically going to be a resident of the household. Are you going to have the energy to feed them every day? Take care of them? Take them to the vet when needed? All of this needs to be kept in mind.