4 Things to Know Before Committing To A Family Pet
Sometimes our family will beg us to get a new pet, but it’s a huge decision that cannot be taken lightly. However, as we know, it is very beneficial for a family to have a cat or a dog, or any other type of pet.
They help teach children responsibility, it’s thought that we suffer fewer allergies when we have pets, they can be very entertaining, and brighten your mood.
However, it is something that you need to consider carefully, there are many different aspects of pet ownership, that’s some people don’t think about before they go ahead.
The most significant commitment you can make is to get a dog; however, they are arguably the most entertaining and give you the most joy. If you’re a cat person, then, of course, this may not be the case for you!
Adding a pet to your family can be a fantastic decision to make, but here are some things that you might like to consider about the practicalities, and things you may not already know about being a new pet owner.
#1 Type
Which type of pet you decide on will depend on how much time and energy you have to commit to caring for the new pet. There is absolutely no point picking up a dog and rehoming him if you don’t have the space to give them daily walks in your life.
You have to be honest with yourself and make sure that you do have the time, energy, and finances to be able to give your new pet a great life. Pets like fish, for example, don’t need a lot of attention often, but they do need a thorough cleaning and feeding every single day. You should always think about making sure you have time to check in on your pets, daily, regardless of the species you decide.
If you do decide you have the space for the significant commitment of a dog, then there are very many different breeds, which
with their own different types of energy levels, fur types, and individual personality traits. It’s essential to make sure your family is ready for the type you choose. Also, the breed of dog that you decide to buy, or rescue will cost you a different amount of money, so this is definitely something to consider.
Other costs involved with purchasing a dog include the flea treatments, immunizations, food, bedding, toys, and a whole range of things you might never have dreamt of before buying a dog. It all adds up, so make sure you budget well before making the big decision.
#2 Vets
When you have a pet of any kind, you’re taking on the responsibility to make sure that animal has a good life, sometimes they become sick or injured, and they will need medical help. The best way to make sure this doesn’t cause you a huge problem financially is to make sure they are insured.
Do your research, as different insurance companies have different stipulations on what is and what isn’t covered. But ultimately you are going to be grateful that you started an insurance policy as soon as possible. Did you know an operation on a cat’s leg can cost thousands? And that simple play treatments can cost hundreds per year?
It’s certainly something that you need to consider carefully, as once you’ve fallen in love with your new pet, you will find yourself spending money on them whether you like it or not.
#3 Hygiene
Cleaning out your pet’s environment, whether that’s a cage, a cat bed, or a Fishtank, you will need to think about how thorough you are cleaning everything. If you have little time to commit to this then maybe a pet isn’t for you right now.
Also, you must consider if there are any risks to anybody in your household if the pet hair and dust aren’t cleaned up daily. Some people have allergies to different animals, some people have lower immune systems, and some people simply just don’t like the mess that pets can make. Again you will have to consider everybody in your home before making such a big decision.
You can use an air scrubber, and pet-friendly Hoovers, with HEPA filters that will ensure your environment and the air is as clean as possible. But this, of course, won’t necessarily mean a person with an allergy can live in harmony with a pet there allergic to.
#4 Commitment
No matter what type of pet you choose for your family, they’re going to be certain times when you can’t do just what you would like because you have to get home to the pet and make sure they have well looked after.
Usually, this means you need to be home in time to feed the cat, or it can mean that you can’t go on holiday unless you put your dog into a holiday home of their own.
But sometimes it can just mean committing to feeding them every day and making sure that they are getting everything that they need this may sound simple, however when life gets busy, and things you don’t account for start happening, then sometimes pets can end up suffering. So it’s essential to make the commitment and stick to it.
There is nothing quite like the joy and excitement a new pet can bring. And studies prove that having a pet can improve your life significantly. Especially if you’re looking for companionship, A form of exercise, or improving the interaction your children have with the world.
There is a whole new world available to you once you become a pet owner, you won’t believe the number of groups and clubs, meetups and events, that are set up for all types of pets. From dogs To fish and birds. Training a new dog can be so much fun, and so rewarding.
Rearranging the Fishtank to suit your style, or to help improve the fishes environment can be just as entertaining as anything else. So think carefully, make the right decision for you and your family, and enjoy your new family member, knowing that you’ve done your research.
Are you thinking about getting a family pet?
