Bringing a furry little friend into your home is an amazing experience, pets bring laughter and lifetime memories. Owning a pet also comes with a lot of responsibilities and hidden inconveniences. Make sure you consider every factor to decide if a pet and which pet is best suited for your home. The love and care that you give to your new pet will give you a lifelong friend who will stay loyal and always love you.
Benefits for Physical Activity
Pets, especially dogs, are bread for varying levels of physical activity. For an easier temperament, you should take your pet on walks to let them get their energy out. Taking them to the park is an excellent way to experience fresh air, vitamin D, and a little bit of physical activity. If you are already active, having a companion to hike with will be safer and much more enjoyable. Overall, owning a pet can encourage you to be more physically active which will lead to greater health benefits down the road.
Your Time
Owning a pet is a time commitment. Taking them on walks and letting them get exercise is part of it. During the first few weeks of ownership, you need to be able to stay home to potty train and train your animal. Once they are trained, it will be easier to leave them for longer periods of time. However, no pet should be left alone too long. They need to be let out to go to the bathroom and their curiosity may get the best of them if left unattended. Some pets require more time and attention than others. Make sure you have the availability and time commitment to properly train and take care of your pet.
Long-Term Costs
The money to properly care for your pet will add up. While you may be able to afford the initial purchase, there are long-term costs to pet ownership. For example, dogs and cats can cost their owners hundreds of dollars a year in vet visits, vaccinations, food, and living accommodations.
When budgeting for future costs consider the following: Most apartments charge an annual fee for pet owners. Pet food and toys will add up. To properly take care of your pet, you need to take them to the vet to keep them healthy and up to date on vaccines. If they get sick or hurt, vet expenses can be expensive. While there are costs associated with keeping your pet happy and healthy, the value they add to your life is usually worth it.
Health Considerations
n addition to taking care of your pet’s health, you also need to take care of your own. It is not uncommon to be allergic to a specific pet. Many pets contain fibers, hairs, feathers, etc. that agitate owners and visitors. When considering a pet, make sure you and your loved ones are not allergic to them. If you have your heart set on a specific breed, there are measures (like medicine and grooming), you can take to reduce the effect they have on you. For example, some dogs like corgis can be groomed to reduce allergens.
Training Affability
Most pets are bred for a specific purpose. For example, the border collie is a working dog and needs to keep busy with given tasks. Some cats are more playful than others. When deciding which pet you should get, you should consider their training affability. Some pets will be easier to train than others based on their intellectual potential, and some will not have the capacity to do the skills you hope for. For example, a small dog will tire from running long distances because their stride is much shorter than yours. Consider how easy it will be to train your pet and decide whether they are the right pet for your abilities and their environment.
Physical Space or Pet-Proofing
Some pets need more room to move around and play. For example, a large dog that is bred for running will need a backyard with a fence for them to run around in. Underwater creatures need different bowls and ecosystems to live in. Ultimately, your home needs to be pet-proofed. This means making space for their needs and clearing your home of things that could be potentially dangerous for them. Consider pet-proofing your home by clearing fragile things while you are training them and moving any harsh chemicals or foods that could harm them out of reach.
Vacation Time
Not all vacations are pet-friendly. It can be difficult to figure out travel transportation, housing, and logistics when bringing a pet with you. It can also be difficult to find someone to take care of your pet. Find a trusted friend who can keep your pet company while you are away. There are also pet hotel services that will watch your furry friend, but good ones can be expensive. Too much vacation time will make your pet feel detached from you and they may develop habits that contradict the training you have given them. Be careful when planning your vacations and when possible, bring them with you.
Long-Term Commitment
Owning a pet is a long-term commitment. They are with you for however long they are alive. When considering a pet and fulfilling all their needs, account for their lifespan. Are you physically able to take a pet on walks every day for years to come? If you have the time now, will you have the time in the future to take care of them? A pet can become your companion and a great source of comfort. Make sure you can love and take care of them for the years they will be with you.
Pet ownership requires a lot of patience and work. However, with persistence, they can become a member of your family. Consider every factor before bringing a pet into your home, so you can facilitate a life-long relationship.
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