Bringing a pet into your home is a huge decision to make, and you shouldn’t rush into it. Before you find the perfect pet for your family, there are a few things that you should consider to ensure you are ready for a big commitment. To help you decide, we have enlisted the help of Pets Online, who have shared with us the X most important factors you should consider before getting a pet. Let’s look at them now.
Are you able to commit?
A pet is a huge commitment, and one that you have made for years, so it’s important to check that you are able to honour that commitment. Pets require regular exercise, sometimes multiple times a day, feeding daily, trips to the groomers and the vets. If you think of getting out every day, even in the rain, to walk your pet, or you worry you might forget to feed them, then it isn’t the right commitment for you to make right now.
Will a pet fit your lifestyle?
You also need to consider your lifestyle and whether a pet suits it. You can usually find a pet that suits your lifestyle, but this involves being very honest about your lifestyle. Are you home a lot? Do you have the space for a pet? Are there other pets in your home that could be an issue?
Many pets need someone home throughout the day, ensuring that they are fed and have access to outside for their toilet needs. This means if you are out for long days, you would need to arrange alternative care like doggy day cares or ask family members to check on your pet. Those that work from home won’t have the same issue but will need to consider overnight trips or long evenings out. It isn’t to say you can’t have a social life and a pet, but you need to make sure you don’t pick a pet that thrives on companionship and then leave them for eight hours a day.
Is your home pet-friendly?
You might consider your home safe, but there are lots of dangers to dogs and cats in many homes that people aren’t aware of. Many human medications are toxic to pets, some plants can be deadly, and cleaning products can leave your pet poorly. Medications should all be moved to high cabinets, plants removed from the home or moved out of harm’s way, and you should only use pet-friendly cleaning products.
You might also need to consider adding a gate to your stairs to stop pets roaming and getting tangled in cables upstairs or increasing the height of your garden fence to stop your pet from escaping. When you adopt a pet from a charity or rescue centre, someone will usually come to your home to assess its safety, pointing out any changes you might need to make before bringing a pet home.
Are you near a vet?
No matter what your pet is, you must ensure it is registered with a local veterinarian. This is where they will receive essential care, yearly vaccinations, and treatment if they become poorly. Being close to a vet is not essential, but we think it’s an important consideration. After all, you don’t want to drive for hours to get your pet the care they need.
Before considering a pet, research your local area to find a vet near you. If there are multiple pets in your area, it’s worth reaching out to them to see where they are taking on new pets and to learn more about them. You want to find the best vet for your pet that will provide the care they need.
Is everyone in your home ready for a pet?
While the idea of a pet might be exciting, you need to be sure that everyone in your home is ready for a pet and the commitment they require. You should have some open and honest conversations in your home before enquiring about a pet joining your family. Make sure that any children are aware of how to interact with a pet, especially if you are considering a rescue. You will want them to be aware of respecting their boundaries and creating a safe atmosphere for the pet.
Find your new pet today
After you have made these considerations and decided you are ready, it is time to take the plunge! Start by researching which pets would be best for your home and what you can care for to ensure you provide the best life for your new pet.
