What To Consider Before Becoming a Pet Owner

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

It's during this time of year that a lot of parents considering gifting a pet to the children for the holidays. Welcoming a furry friend to the household will undoubtedly bring you a lot of happiness, but it will also add to your workload. Even the most independent and well-behaved pets need care and attention. If you’re on the cusp of making a decision to introduce a new member of the family, here are some top considerations to make before making the final decision.

Plan Ahead
If you’re adopting or buying a new pet, it’s always beneficial to be prepared. Use the time you have before your pet joins you to make arrangements to get your home ready. You’ll need to buy essentials, such as food, litter trays or pupping training pads, toys, water bowls, and beds. It’s also wise to make sure you have the time available to care for your pet, and that you understand exactly what owning a pet entails before you make a final decision. If you’re looking to get a dog, for example, have you thought about what you’ll do when you’re at work? If you only work a few hours a day or you’re based at home, this won’t be a problem, but if you’re out for hours, you could explore options like dog day care or look into hiring a dog walker. You may also want to do some number crunching to ensure you can afford your new furry companion. You’ll need to factor in costs like food, insurance and medical costs.

Prepare Your Home
If you’re all set to bring a pet home in the coming days or weeks, you might find that it’s beneficial to adapt your home. You probably won’t need to make major changes, but it might be a good idea to think about relocating precious ornaments, expensive shoes and anything else you don’t want to be chewed or knocked off tables or shelves. It’s also wise to choose a spot to place a bed for a puppy and to set out an area for food and water.

Settling In
Some pets adjust to their new home very quickly, but for others, it can take a little time. Puppies and kittens are used to being surrounded by siblings, and having their mom there to care for them, so being in a completely different environment without their family can be daunting. It’s beneficial to bring your pet home at a time when you’ll have hours to spare to comfort them, spend time with them, and help them settle in. If you have young children, supervise them, and encourage them to be very gentle with the new addition.

There are too many pets that are abandoned or returned to shelter because the owners didn't properly prepare or consider everything that pet ownership entails. Pets bring untold joy to a household, but they can be hard work, so it’s essential to make sure you’re ready for life and a lifetime with a new furry friend.

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