Getting a pet is a really exciting journey to embark on. Many individuals, couples, and families invest in getting themselves a pet for many reasons. They are a great company, can keep you busy, and can help you find like-minded people. This is especially the case if you get a pet such as a dog. Dogs are specifically excellent because they are caring and loving, get people out of the house, are a great way to talk to other dog walkers, and much more. This can help a person get up in the morning and boost their well-being and mental health, among many other positive things.
While getting a pet is a great idea, there is a lot more to it than people first anticipate, especially when it comes to getting a pet like a dog, as they are a very big commitment. Unfortunately, many dogs will end up at a rescue center because owners do not realize how big of a commitment or cost dogs are to keep. This is why you must take time to conduct research, speak to other owners, and fully understand what it takes to have a pet before you invest in one. To help you on your journey and help you decide if a pet, like a dog, is a good choice for you, here are some top things that you will need to consider and do beforehand.
Money
One of the big things that many people underestimate when it comes to owning a pet is the amount of money that is spent. Not only is it expensive to purchase the pet in the first place, but you will also need to consider spending money on insurance, medical bills, food, treats, toys, accessories, and more. Insurance is a lot more expensive than people think and works the opposite of your typical insurance, as it will increase over time as the pet gets older, as opposed to decreasing. It is also important to consider medical bills. If you get a puppy or kitten, you will need to take several trips to the vet to get the correct vaccinations and other medications. If your new pet has any medical issues or accidents, then you will also need an emergency fund for that too, as pet medical expenses are not cheap, even with insurance. Along with the cost of living rise, you will need to consider how buying regular pet food and treats is going to impact your finances. You will need a plan in place.
Commitment
A pet is a commitment. You will need to care for its well-being, feed it, and keep it hydrated. You will also need to entertain it. If it is a pet like a cat or a lizard, they won’t need much entertainment from you, but it is always good practice to give any kind of pet attention, care, and a good lifestyle, as opposed to leaving them locked up and alone. If you get a dog, then you will need to consider the commitment even more so, because they take a lot of time and care. They will need to be trained initially, which is a big commitment. You will also not be able to leave them too long on their own, so you will need to consider if they fit into your current and future lifestyle, and if not, if you can accommodate them with a dog walker. You will need to take them out for regular walks, take them to regular vet checkups, socialize them with people and other dogs, play stimulating games with them, and much more. You must consider how much of a commitment the pet you want to get is going to be.
Food and diet
Food and diet is an important thing to consider when getting a pet. If you are opting for a fish, then you will probably spend a lot less time and money on food for them, and they will be quite simple to feed. However, if you are investing in a dog, you will need to consider what nutrition your dog should have, that will suffice for their specific breed, height, weight, lifestyle, activity levels, and more. You should also consider having filtered water available for your pet for optimal health.
Pet-friendly home
A pet-friendly home is vital when you get an animal. Most pets, whether you get a rabbit, a lizard, or a dog, will need to be able to roam free in your home if you want to give it the best life. This means you will have to make adjustments to your home that will make it safe and free from hazards for your pet. You might have to section off parts of your home and ensure that anything that needs repairing is fixed before you bring them home. If you are getting an animal like a dog or a cat, you need to consider your location. If you are in a flat, is your pet able to get outside enough? Will your cat be able to come in and out as they please? Are you going to be able to walk your dog enough to make up for the fact you don’t have a garden?
Long term goals
You must think about your long-term goals when getting a pet, and not just your life as it is in the present moment. Many people will make the mistake of wanting a pet and seeing how it can fit into their current lifestyle, but not how it may change in the future. Make sure your pet fits into your lifestyle now and in the future. Consider if you have plans to move house, travel the world, start a family, etc., and ensure that you think about the lifespan of your pet and how your life is going to look in the future, to make sure they have a forever home with you.
Getting a pet is a big cost and commitment. Make sure you consider all these important factors before you make a decision!
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