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Adding a pet to the family is a great moment for everyone. Not only are you adding a family member, but you’re getting a companion in the process. However, as with anything with life involved, it’s a major decision. Because of this, it’s a decision that shouldn’t be made lightly. You want to consider all of the factors at play when adding a pet to your family. It can be a major decision that you want to look at from every angle. There are plenty of things families fail to consider when they are looking to add a pet to the mix. Here are some of the top things you need to consider before getting your first family pet so it doesn’t come as a shock.
The Cost
Pets are expensive. There is no getting around this. If you are adding a pet to your family, prepare to pay the price. The cost of owning and caring for a pet can be very high. You can count on paying hundreds of dollars per year on food alone. According to the RSPCA, you can expect to pay as much as £2,000 in your first year of having the pet. This is easy to see given you can anticipate paying up to £500 in adoption fees. You have to factor in everything from insurance to vet bills and all of the food, toys, and treats you’ll be buying.
The Time
You can anticipate the pet taking up a lot of your free time. That time you used to spend sitting on the couch watching TV or reading a book? Consider it gone. Your pet is going to demand a lot of your attention. You need to walk your pet early in the morning, in the middle of the day, and before you go to bed. Your pet will constantly need your time whether it’s to go potty or to play. You can anticipate a long walk to take as much as one to two hours per day. While you could easily opt for a pet that doesn’t require nearly as much of a time commitment, a dog will require a lot of it. A cat won’t require nearly as much time because they don’t need frequent walks.
The Space
You need to factor in all of the space the animal will need. The space an animal needs has to be factored into the equation especially if you don’t have a lot of it. If you live in an apartment, a large breed dog won’t be suitable for you. Not only will they not fit in your smaller space, but they won’t be comfortable for either of you. It’s best to go for a pet that doesn’t require nearly as much space if you have smaller living arrangements. Don’t adopt a large breed dog if you don’t have the space. You also have to consider everything from their bedding to their crate and more. Consider the space you have available when you are choosing your next pet. Before getting a pet you may also want to look at the different pet franchises out there like the Animals at Home Franchise, this is so that you know how much you’ll be paying for the different services once you get a pet.
Any Restrictions
You need to account for any restrictions you have. This could be your neighbourhood or something else. Some neighbourhoods don’t allow certain dog breeds. They could be under the dangerous dog breed list. This includes dogs like American Pit Bulls. If so, you’ll need to avoid these dogs. You also want to factor in whether or not any family member has allergies to a specific type of pet. Certain breeds may need to be considered if so. This includes hypoallergenic dog breeds. If anyone has asthma, serious consideration needs to be made when choosing the right pet.
Cleanliness
Even though pets are domesticated, they still can be very messy. After all, a dog doesn’t care about tracking mud into the house. You’ll find pets that will track mud, bring in pests, and more. Because of this, you’ll need to factor in the cleaning that will be required to keep your home well maintained. If you have a cat or dog, you’ll find fur and hair everywhere. You’ll need to clean the sofas more and even the carpets. You’ll need to invest in a high-quality vacuum for easier and more effective cleaning, which can add to the cost of owning a pet.
Temperament
You also need to factor in the temperament of the pet in question. You’ll find some breeds have a specific temperament more than others. Also, you’ll find they vary based on how they were raised. Because of this, you want to understand the temperament and make a decision based on your family’s personality. Certain dogs or pets will require a lot more attention because of their energy levels. Also, if you are adopting, you will find some will have behavioural problems. If so, you’ll only want to take these pets on if you have training or previous experience handling these issues. However, you won’t always know because these behavioural issues can develop later on. Therefore, you must consider the risk when getting a pet.
