This is a big decision, so check these boxes before signing the dotted line.
By Jody Helmer
You are now ready to adopt. Or are you? Owning a pet is a long-term commitment. You will be responsible for another life and you must be ready to take on whatever comes with it. Thoroughly consider all variables before filling out the adoption paperwork. Here are 10 things to consider before getting a pet.
10 things you should know before getting a pet:
1. Do you have permission from the landlord?
Make sure in advance that pets are allowed where you live.If renting, must obtain landlord permission. Not all rentals are pet friendly, and even those that are pet friendly may have breed, weight and even breed restrictions. Instead of just thinking about the present, what about the future? How long is your contract and are you planning to stay for a while? If you move, you need to make sure you find a home that accepts your pet.
2. You may need to adjust your schedule.
Instead of hitting the snooze button (again), you have to jump out of bed, walk the dog, prepare breakfast, scoop the litter box. Then come straight home from work, prepare dinner, manage bathroom breaks, and cuddle the dog or cat that’s been waiting for you for eight hours. “Each pet requires different amounts of time and effort, but all pets need regular care and companionship,” says Holly Sizemore, Chief Mission Officer of Best Friends Animal Association.
If you want the whole family to participate in pet care, adds Ruth Allen, Director of Admissions and Matchmaking at the ASPCA Adoption Center. “It’s a good idea to schedule who in your family will help care for your pet.” Observe your new pet in terms of playing, feeding, grooming, and walking. ”
3. Never poop alone.
Your four-legged friend can sleep in your bed, watch your favorite shows, and keep you company while you cook dinner. So don’t be surprised if he’s been working hard on yours while you’re at work. Now close the door. If he didn’t scratch or whine, he’d be waiting to greet you as if you hadn’t been around in days. Alternatively, invite them to curl up at your feet. Who needs privacy in the first place?
4. Pets can be expensive.
Once you’ve paid your adoption fees, you’ll need to budget for food. veterinary caregrooming, boarding, pet sitter, and other costs associated with owning a pet. Sizemore said adopting from a shelter can keep costs down. “Pets that are adopted from shelters or rescue groups are usually already protected. spayed or neutered, vaccinations, microchipping, and other services can cost hundreds of dollars,” she added. “Owning a pet doesn’t just save lives. It saves you a lot of money.”
acquisition pet insurance Alternatively, you can open a savings account to cover unexpected expenses, but remember that your bank account balance is an indicator of your ability to be a good pet parent. “When considering adding a new pet to the family, it is important to consider not only long-term financial obligations, but also initial costs. [but] Well-off pet owners don’t love their pets as much as owners in different economic situations,” Allen added.
5. Don’t keep pets on a whim
Love at first sight may make you want to get a pet, but take a few days to consider it. It takes a serious commitment to care for your pet for its lifetime, up to 20 years or more. Take the time to prepare your home, make plans, organize your finances, and make sure you are well prepared for your pet.
6. I have a problem.
Ask pet owners. Poop happens. vomit, that too. Whether you’re scooping the litter box, picking up items on a walk, or (oops) cleaning up after an accident, it’s important to feel comfortable with every bodily fluid your adorable sidekick produces. “Most people can make it a routine to clean up pet hair and anything else that comes from a dog or cat and focus on all the great benefits of having a pet,” says Sizemore. . “Then the cleaning becomes worthwhile.”
7. Plan for pet hair everywhere.
Keep a lint roller handy. Even if you have a dog that doesn’t shed, hair will always cover your favorite sweater or the shirt you intended to wear to work. Give it a quick refresher with a lint roller, or put on her T-her shirt that proclaimed, “Dog hair is glittery,” and embrace it.
8. Older animals make great companions.
Puppies and kittens take center stage at shelters, but don’t overlook older animals. Sizemore says older pets are just as affectionate and loyal as younger ones, and they’re often easier to care for because they’ve overcome puppy-like behaviors like teething and toilet accidents. points out.
“A big advantage of having an adult pet is knowing exactly what you’re getting yourself into,” says Allen. “Their size, weight and personality are already formed, so you can choose them for who they are, not what you want them to be when they grow up. Adopters of must keep an open mind [and] ask a question. “
9. Sociability is important.
You may be your dog’s best friend, but dogs need other friends too. “Dogs need training and socialization to learn how to be healthy and happy members of the family, and that’s the responsibility of the owner,” says Sizemore. Look for options such as group obedience classes, take your dog to parks, dog-friendly shops and restaurants, introduce him to new people (and other dogs), and make sure your dog is calm and well-adjusted. Make sure. Knowing what to expect before getting a pet can help make the transition to pet parenting as smooth as possible.
10. Make your home pet-friendly.
Before you get an animal, think about what it takes to care for it. Additionally, make necessary modifications to your home, yard, and fences, if any, to ensure your pet’s safety. Securing furniture, storing cleaning supplies, fixing screens and doors, there are many other things you can do to keep your home pet-free before you get a pet.
Use Find Pets when you’re ready to adopt. slisten Find a foster pet near you. If you can’t find the perfect kitty, sign up for Pet Alerts and we’ll email you new matching kittens daily.
Jody Helmer is a North Carolina-based freelance writer who lives with an embarrassing number of rescue dogs in her home and relies on four stray cats to patrol her barn. When Jody isn’t refilling his plate with food and water, he writes about animals. Scientific American, Sierra, Web MD, AKC Family Dog, live in the countrysideand over here.