When you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family, there are some things you need to know first. Pets can be a lot of work, and they require a lot of time and attention. If you’re not prepared for that commitment, it might be better to wait until you are.
This blog post will outline eight things you need to know before adopting a pet. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of whether you’re ready for the responsibility.
1. Pets Require Time and Attention
Pets need time and attention just like any other family member. They need to be fed, groomed, exercised, and given plenty of love and affection. If you’re not prepared to commit that, then a pet might not be right for you.
You also need to be prepared that pets can live for a long time. Dogs, for example, typically have a lifespan of 10-12 years. That means you’ll need to be prepared to care for your pet for the long haul.
2. Pets Can Be Expensive
Pets can be expensive, especially if you opt for a purebred or designer breed. You’ll need to factor in the cost of food, toys, vet bills, and more when you’re budgeting for a pet.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you need to have a lot of money to adopt a pet. There are plenty of ways to save money on pet ownership, but you should be aware of the potential costs before you commit.
3. Pets Need Training
All pets need some form of training, whether it’s potty training, obedience training, or both. Dogs, in particular, require a lot of movement. If you’re not prepared to put in the time to train your pet, then you might want to reconsider.
For example, after adopting, you will have to train your puppy where it is okay to go to the restroom. This can take weeks or even months, depending on the dog. And, of course, you’ll need to obedience train your dog as well. This includes teaching them basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down.
4. Pets Shed
While some pets don’t shed very much, others can shed quite a bit. This is especially true of dogs with double coats. If you’re not a fan of pet hair around the house, you might want to consider adopting a pet with less fur.
You can also talk to your groomer about ways to minimize shedding. Moreover, there are now many hypoallergenic breeds that are ideal for people with allergies.
5. Pets Need Exercise
Pets need exercise just like humans do. Dogs, in particular, require a lot of exercises. If you don’t have time to walk your dog several times a day or take them to the dog park, then a pet might not be right for you.
Of course, there are ways to get around this. If you live in an apartment, for example, you can get a smaller dog that doesn’t need as much exercise. Or, you can hire a dog walker to take your pup for a walk while you’re at work.
6. Pets Can Be Messy
Pets can be messy, especially when they’re young. Puppies and kittens are notorious for making messes, whether it’s getting into the trash or having accidents in the house.
And even older pets can be messy. Dogs, for example, track in dirt and mud from outside. Cats may scratch furniture or shed fur all over your house. So, if you’re not prepared to deal with a little (or a lot) of mess, then a pet might not be the right fit for you.
7. Pets Chew Things
One more thing to remember: your pet will likely chew on things around the house. It’s important to have a few good toys on hand and to keep anything potentially harmful (like cleaning supplies) out of reach. Chewing is natural for many animals, and it helps them relieve stress or boredom.
8. Pets Might Not Get Along With Everyone
Pets can be picky about who they like and don’t like. It’s important to introduce your pet to new people slowly and carefully to make sure everyone gets along.
If you have young children, it’s important to choose a pet that is good with kids. The same goes for other pets you might have in the house. Not all animals get along, so it’s important to do your research before adding a new pet to your home.
These are just a few things to consider before adopting a pet. While pets can be a lot of work, they can also be very rewarding. If you’re ready to take the plunge, be sure to do your research and choose the pet that’s right for you!
