Are you ready to adopt a dog, cat or some other kind of domestic animal? It’s an exciting thing time when considering adding to your family, but don’t get too caught up in the excitement and make a rash decision. There are many things you need to consider before you bring your new pet home. It’s a 8 to 15 year commitment, so think about all the factors and decide wisely.
What type of animal?
This decision is usually pretty easy for most people unless you’re one of those people that love all animals and want a mini petting zoo in their back yard. For most people, it’s usually either a dog or cat. If you’re still on the fence it really comes down to the time you have to devote to your new pet. Dogs generally require more time and attention while cats can be entirely content being on their own and sleeping through the day.
Puppy/Kitten or adult animal?
There are pros and cons to getting a puppy or kitten and a full grown dog or cat. If you’re going to a shelter, you’ll see that most of the animals there are full grown. Puppies and kittens take a lot more work in the beginning, but you can also train them to fit into your lifestyle. Something to also consider is that some older pets may have health conditions that may cost more on a monthly basis than a young animal. There are so many animals that need homes, both older and younger, that the best thing you can do is find one that you will feel comfortable keeping for the duration of their life.
Your Lifestyle
It’s important to be honest with yourself about how your pet will fit into your lifestyle. Some dogs need more outside activity like running, hiking and longer walks. Since our residents live in apartments, that will also need to be brought into consideration. If you’re able to come home frequently to walk your dog, most dogs will do just fine (we do have breed restrictions, please check with the property you’re interested for details). If you have a larger dog, but work a regular 9 to 5 , there may be local options for doggy daycare as well! Do you need an Emotional Support Animal? An ESA is a dog or cat that provides emotional support for people dealing with social problems.
What is your budget?
How much you can afford to pay for your pet on a monthly basis, plus emergencies. Pets can be very expensive, especially if they have unforeseen health issues. The first step is to figure out your budget for food, supplies, toys and vet visits. The second step is to buy pet insurance as soon as you get your pet as vet visits can be very expensive, especially if you’re not prepared financially. It’s also best to have some money set aside in addition to the insurance just for this reason. Doggy treats can be expensive, so choose an animal based on the amount you want to spend on doggy treats and kitty treats.
Pets bring so much joy into our lives, but they are also a big responsibility. The best thing you can do for your pet is to make sure you’re prepared to take care of them through thick and thin the rest of their lives. Many pets get returned to shelters because owners realize that having a pet was a bigger responsibility than they bargained for. The more you’re prepared, the better life you will be able to give your fur baby!
Pet Breeders
If you’re looking for a specific type of do breed, it is best to search for certified dog breeders. Most dogs sold at pet stores come from puppy mills. It is wise to do thorough research. What are your options? We can help locate dog breeders with certifications of the right degree. Learn more now!