Coming Home Magazine

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, plan to spend at least two hours per day caring for your pets. COST OF PET OWNERSHIP Depending on their breed, dogs live between eight and 16 years, cats can easily reach 20, and pet mice have a healthy lifespan of up to four years. As the years go by, you may have many pet expenses to cover, including food, treats, toys, grooming services, and training gear. You should also consider the cost of vet care and pet insurance if you decide to add it. 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. YOUR IDEAL PET TYPES There are various types of pets besides dogs and cats, like birds, reptiles, rabbits, fish, and much more. 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. JETSETTING TENDENCIES Do you enjoy spontaneous adventures? You'll probably need someone to look after your pet when you're away. Luckily, you can embrace the joy of jet-setting and still be a responsible pet owner by hiring a pet sitter. You'll just have 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. FAMILY HEALTH MATTERS Health may be the most critical factor to consider before getting a 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, a dog is a great walking and running partner. SPACE IN YOUR HOME Your pet may need space to run, play, and relax. Dogs will need room for their cushy bed, crate, and food and water dishes, plus a sizeable area to move around indoors. 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. COMMUNITY RESTRICTIONS Review your homeowners' association's (HOA's) Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). You might be surprised to learn that your community restricts certain pets, like exotic animals 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. 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 one into your home shouldn't be taken lightly. Before picking a new pet, think about these seven things to make the best choice for your household. approximately $1,000 per year. keep you and your family healthy—is paramount. There are several pets that your cat indoors, or barking limitations. By informing yourself of your community's guidelines, you're well prepared to welcome home your perfect pet. WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BRINGING HOME A NEW PET.

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