Yes, many things to consider when you plan on getting a family pet. Pets can provide companionship, love, and security in a home, but they also require a lot of work.
So, before you bring that new furry friend into your house, make sure you’re prepared for the commitment by learning these eight important things.
What kind of pet should you get?
This is the first and most important decision you have to make. Different pets require different levels of care, so make sure to do your research on what type of pet would be best for your lifestyle. What kind of space do you have available? Do you have time to take a dog out for walks or will a cat better suit your busy schedule?
A certain type of bird or reptile is the right fit for your home. Researching ahead of time, especially if you ever want to learn more about birds, reptiles, or rodents, as these are not “your regular pets”, can help you make an informed decision. And if there are children in your home, make sure to select a pet that is safe and engaging with them.
Where (and how) should you get the pet?
When looking for a pet, consider adopting from a rescue or shelter since you can find a variety of breeds at animal shelters and rescues that need good homes. Many people are hesitant to adopt because they think there might be something “wrong” with the animal, but most animals in shelters have been surrendered for reasons beyond their control.
On the other hand, if you choose to buy from a breeder, verify that the facility is reputable and properly cares for its animals. You can read reviews and do your research to make sure the breeder is selling healthy animals.
Preparing your home
Before bringing a pet home, it’s important to consider how you’ll set up your living space for them. If you have a dog or cat, it’s important to buy food and water bowls and a litter box if you’re getting a cat.
You should also purchase pet-safe cleaning supplies since some common household cleaners can be toxic to animals. Make sure to remove any items that could be hazardous for your pet, like plastic bags or small objects that they could swallow.
You may also want to consider investing in pet furniture or even putting up gates to keep your pet contained if they’re not allowed in certain areas.
Additionally, setting up a designated pet area in your home can help you keep things organized, and your pet will enjoy having a place that’s just for them.
Pet care and you
Now that you have everything set up, it’s time to think about how you’ll provide love and care for your pet. It’s important to understand the basic needs of the type of pet you have to ensure they are getting everything they need to stay healthy and happy. Different pets will require different levels of care when it comes to diet, exercise, grooming, and medical attention.
It’s also important to consider how you’ll manage pet waste. Dogs will have to be taken out multiple times a day, while cats and smaller animals may need litter boxes that must be cleaned regularly.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that owning a pet is a big responsibility and requires commitment and dedication. You should be prepared that your pet may need medical attention from time to time and even require surgery or other treatments. Pets also require regular grooming and may need to be fed and walked several times a day — all of which require commitment and time.
How will you train the pet?
Teaching your pet good manners is essential for a peaceful home environment. If you have a cat, it’s important to teach them what’s acceptable behaviour and where they should go when they’re not allowed on the furniture. For dogs, it’s a good idea to start teaching them basic commands like sit and stay so they know how to behave in different situations.
You can find tons of tips and tricks online or seek out the help of a professional trainer if you need extra guidance.
On the other hand, if you have children, they should also learn how to interact with the pet safely and appropriately. Teach them never to pull on the pet’s ears or tail, and always ask your permission before touching them. Small children, especially, should never be left alone with a pet.
It’s also important to ensure your pet is well-socialized, particularly if you want them to be welcome in public spaces. Dogs should attend puppy classes and get used to being around different people and animals to learn how to behave around them. Cats may not require as much socialization, but it’s still important for them to get comfortable with new people and other pets.
Therefore, it’s important to find opportunities for your pet to socialize in a safe and controlled environment. This can be done by taking them on walks or playing with them at the park, inviting other people over with their pets, or even having play dates with other people who own the same type of animal.
Fitting a pet into your busy lifestyle
Finally, owning a pet can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to consider how having one will fit into your lifestyle. If you often travel or have long work days, it may be better to find someone who can come and check on your pet while you’re away. Pets need exercise, love, and attention, so it’s important to make sure you can provide that before committing to bringing one into your home.
Think about it this way: having a pet can be great, but it’s important to make sure you have the time and resources to give your pet the best care possible.
Now that you understand the basics of pet care, it’s important to think about how you will fit taking care of a pet into your already busy lifestyle. Pets need exercise, love, and attention, so if you can’t provide those things yourself, you may want to reconsider getting one.
On the other hand, if you are willing to put in the effort, owning a pet can be a rewarding experience that brings joy and happiness into your home.
