It’s something everyone dreams about as a child when you are constantly told no by your parents, “when can I get my first pet?”. Whilst this may have been something that has been on your mind for a while there are plenty of things to consider before getting your first pet.
Are you Ready?
Getting a pet can be an exciting idea but it is no good if you have not prepared your life for one. If you work full-time and leave the home for long periods, then a pet that demands a lot of attention will be no good for you. A young puppy cannot be left alone all day. However, pets like guinea pigs, hamsters, and snakes are all much more independent and may suit your lifestyle more.
Vets and Hospitals
This is perhaps one of the most important considerations. You need to find a vet that is local to you, within your price range, and that not only you can get on with, but your pet as well. It is essential that your pet feels comfortable and calm when visiting animal hospitals.
There are many out there to choose from but only some come certified with guarantees. One award to keep an eye out for is the AAHA-accredited practices. There are only 12-15% of animal hospitals that hold this standard-setting accreditation, but they range from across America and Canada from Paoli Vetcare in Maryland to Bloor Animal Hospital in Toronto.
Do you have space?
If you have been looking for a more active pet, like a dog, then you need to consider the exercise and leisure space that they require. A big dog will undoubtedly ruin your lovely apartment with no space outside to relax in. Think about what your pet will require and what is the fairest option for them.
Bred or Rescue pets
Many people prefer to have pets that they have specially selected for their home. This is understandable as you will be able to introduce them to your home and habits from their very first day. This can be expensive, however. Bred pets are always more expensive as they have often been selected by breeders for specific traits.
On the other hand, you could always rescue a pet which will be considerably cheaper but comes with its risks. These pets may have experienced trauma and thus be difficult to introduce into your lifestyle. Some cannot be around other pets whilst others require lots of socialization. All of this comes down to how your life-pet balance will work.
Additional costs
As well as the additional costs that you would expect, for example, food, toys, and furnishings. It is always important to remember that pets will drive up your monthly outgoings. Whether that be for treats or cleaning tools to day-care and veterinary bills. All of these can begin to rack up, so need to be sure that this is something you can afford.
Pets
Overall, there are lots of considerations to take when thinking about getting a pet. They can bring joy and companionship into lives, but you need to be able to take care of them. Pick a pet that is suitable to your lifestyle and you will no doubt build a loving relationship between owner and pet.
