Adopting a pet impulsively can be a huge mistake. Animals are a big responsibility and will require a big chunk of your money, time, energy and even the space in your home. Being aware of all these factors is crucial before you decide to take on a new family member.
While having a pet can be extremely rewarding and bring a load of love and joy into your life, you still need to be aware of the more taxing elements of the responsibility. Pets aren’t something you simply keep around – they require care and attention every day which means you need to plan carefully before adopting one. Here are the four most important things to consider.
Your Budget
First of all, you have to be aware of the fact that owning a pet is going to cost you money. Even the simplest and “easiest” pets to own, like fish, will require food and some equipment to keep them alive and happy.
Plan your budget for food, treats, medicine, beds and blankets, grooming equipment, training or visits to a professional groomer, adoption fees and the ever-terrifying vet bills. As a matter of fact, looking for cheap pet insurance is one of the first things you should do, and including this in your budget will help you to save in the long term.
Your Time
You’ll also need to plan out how much time you have to take care of a pet because they can be pretty time-consuming. If you spend all day at the office and come home late and exhausted, a pet might not be a great idea right now. Consider how much time you have to work with and then decide which kind of pet will fit well into your lifestyle.
For example, if you don’t have the time to walk your dog at least once a day, you should consider adopting a less active pet, such as a kitten.
Space For Them
Spend some time thinking about your home and how much space you have available for a pet. You need to consider what type of pet you want to get too. For example, space and supplies for a bird and a cat will differ hugely. Each type of animal will have different needs in terms of space.
Even different breeds will have different needs in this regard. A large dog like a golden retriever will need a large yard, while a smaller breed like a chihuahua will be okay in an apartment.
Pet Sitting Plans
Finally, you need to consider who will take care of your pets if you go away on vacation or need to leave town for a few days. Pets will be fine if you leave them alone while you go out for dinner, but can’t be left unattended for more than a few hours.
Remember that choosing a pet sitter is a big decision. You’ll want to find someone who you trust with the care of your furry friends – family, friends or a professional sitter?
