Are You Ready for a Pet? Ask These Questions First
Pets bring many joys to the household: unconditional love, entertainment, and endless photo opportunities. Their mere presence breathes life into your home, giving you a little something more to look forward to after a long day. However, being a pet parent is a big responsibility, so the decision to welcome a new pet into your home shouldn’t be taken lightly. Do you find yourself wondering: should I get a pet? You’re in the right place. In our new pet decision guide, we share things to consider before getting a pet, pet ownership advice, and tips for adding a new pet to your home.
Is Getting a Pet Right for Me? How to Know If You’re Ready for a Pet
Deciding if you should get a pet is a big deal. Ask yourself these questions to help determine if you’re ready for a pet and unlock other pet ownership advice.
1. Can I Commit to the Time Investment?
You have the whole world at your fingertips. Your pet? You’re their whole world. They deserve to have as much of your attention as you can muster every day. Puppies need training, walks, playtime, and plenty of cuddles. Cats need to play and snuggle, too, and even mice, guinea pigs, and ferrets want to spend quality time with their family. Beyond that, it takes time to feed your pets, clean up after them, and complete regular grooming tasks. Overall, if you’re adding a new pet to your home, plan to spend at least two hours per day caring for your pets.
2. Do I Have the Money to Cover the Cost of Pet Ownership?
Depending on their breed, dogs live between ten and 13 years, cats can easily reach 20, and pet mice have a healthy lifespan of up to four years. As the years go by, pet owners have many expenses to cover, including food, treats, toys, grooming services, and training gear. When it comes to what to consider before getting a pet, you need to think about the cost of vet care and pet insurance. A dog or cat’s expected lifetime costs can surpass $15,000. And a small animal’s care can top approximately $1,000 per year.
3. What is My Ideal Pet Type?
There are various types of pets besides dogs and cats, like birds, reptiles, rabbits, fish, and much more. If you’ve decided it’s time to get another pet, it’s important to find a pet whose activity levels, needs, and demeanor fit your personality. Think about your lifestyle and if you often entertain friends at home, work long hours, or simply relax in your free time. Then, research the types of pets you’re interested in and their breed traits. To make this process easier, contact a pet adoption center for help—they’re pros at matching people with their ideal pets and giving you the right guidance on how to choose the right pet for you.
4. Do I Have Any Pet-Related Health Concerns?
Health may be the most critical factor to consider before getting a new pet. Whether it’s allergies, mobility issues, or low energy levels, your ability to care for a pet—and keep you and your family healthy—is paramount. There are several pets that involve little maintenance and are hypoallergenic, like fish or birds. These pets can provide the same amount of love and life to your home that you’d expect from any other animal. Similarly, if your family’s activity level allows, owning a dog can boost your health, providing a great walking and running partner.
5. How Often Will I Need a Pet Sitter?
Do you enjoy spontaneous adventures? Don’t worry; pet people can still travel! You’ll just need someone to look after your pet when you’re away. When hiring a pet sitter, remember to work their service fees into your budget. On average, you’ll pay about $30 for drop-in pet-sitting services and $100 for overnight care.
6. Do I Have Space In My Home for a Pet?
Your new pet may need space to run, play, and relax. Dogs will need room for their cushy bed, crate, and food and water dishes. They’ll also need a sizeable area to move around indoors and space to roam outdoors, with easy access through a doggie door being a major plus. They may also require a fenced yard for bathroom breaks and exercise. Cats need room for their cat tree and litterbox, and cages for small animals might also demand their own designated area.
Read More: Ideas For Doggie Doors: Everything You Need to Know
7. Does My Community Have Pet Restrictions?
Review your homeowners’ association’s (HOA’s) Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). You might be surprised to learn that your community restricts pet owners from keeping certain animals in their homes, like exotic varieties and specific dog breeds. Furthermore, an HOA’s pet policy may include rules like keeping your dog on a leash, keeping your cat indoors, or barking limitations. By informing yourself of your community’s guidelines, you’re well prepared to welcome home your perfect pet.
More Tips: Preparing for Pet Ownership
So, are you ready for a pet? If you’re confident you understand how to take care of a pet, it’s time to bring a furry friend home. However, you’ll need to do your part to protect them. During summertime, that means keeping pets away from the sun and sizzling sidewalks as much as possible while still giving them the activity and time outside that they need to be happy and healthy. Check out our tips on “How to Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer” to keep cool and keep calm as a pet owner.
How to Take Care of a Pet FAQs
What is the average lifetime cost of taking care of a dog?
While the exact cost varies by breed and size, most dogs will cost around $15,000 to take care of if they live for 10-15 years.
What is proper pet care?
Proper pet care means providing it with the right diet and giving it the right amount of activity, grooming, health care, and love.
Why is pet care important?
Pet care is the key to boosting a pet’s life expectancy and providing it with the environment to be happy. It is also a great way for pet owners to find happiness and purpose in their lives.
How often should a pet go to the vet?
If your pet isn’t experiencing any health concerns or medical emergencies, annual checkups should be fine to keep them happy and healthy.