Have you always dreamed of having a pet, and found out that the current moment is the right time to finally fulfill your dream?
Having a pet or a dog at home can bring so much happiness into our lives, plus it has many other benefits such as keeping us fit and preventing us from ever feeling lonely.
As you take care of the pet, it also takes care of you and your emotions, without you even knowing.
If you have decided to get a cat or a dog, there are some things to consider, prior to finding your new friend.
Should you Get a Pet and what to Pay Attention to
Our four-pawed friends have specific care requirements in order to feel well and grow healthily.
Since taking care of a pet is not all fun and games, it’s good to go over a list of thing and put some checks to it, before getting your new pet home.
1. Can you be Responsible
Are you able to get up at 6 AM to walk the dog before going to work? If not, then probably that’s not the kind of pet that suits your lifestyle.
Cats and dog have their needs for attention, movement, and playtime. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be healthy.
If it’s a cat, you shouldn’t forget to play with it, because it’s crucial for the animal to have movement and train their skills, thus using up the energy they have generated while staying home. After all, in their natural habitat, animals have to move a lot more.
If you so much want a pet, but you are not able to commit to such a lifestyle, there are other low-maintenance options such as fish or parakeets.
If you are planning on getting a parakeet, however, have in mind that you need to provide a large enough cell for it.
2. The Reason you Want a Pet
Be honest with yourself: do you want the pet because it looks cool, or for some other reason? If it’s only the looks you are after, you probably won’t keep the motivation to care for it for too long.
There are some great reasons to get a pet, such as the fact that it makes you feel less lonely and even helps with depression.
The bond you create with the animal is truly a special one.
It could also be quite fun at times and bring you a lot of positive emotions. Generally, you will never feel alone.
The reason you want a pet should be on your list of topics to consider before choosing the type of pet.
3. Do your Research
It’s true that there are some breeds of dogs or cats that make us fall in love with how they look. That’s a big reason why people get a certain breed and think of it more as an accessory or a living home decoration.
Even if you’re drawn to a certain breed, the conditions in your home might not be really suitable for the pet’s wellbeing.
It’s best to do thorough research on the breed’s needs and requirements and ensure you can provide the necessary conditions.
That goes not only for food and health care but for non-material things such as attention.
For example, some breeds of cats are quite independent, while others feel good when they get enough attention from you. Better choose the breed that suits your lifestyle best.
4. Should you Buy or Adopt
Getting a pet from the store whose breed looks cut might be something quite tempting, but it’s better to consider first the option of adopting a cat or a dog.
Every day there are thousands of animals left at shelters or even on the streets.
By giving them a new home, you are saving the life of a little soul and providing space for new left-out pets to be taken inside shelters and be given a chance for a better life.
5. View Documentation
After you’ve finally chosen the best cat or dog breed for you, it’s time to find your future pet. Look in stores or adoption shelters, but make sure you are getting the pet only from reputable and trustworthy suppliers.
Make the necessary research about the supplier to ensure that he is reliable.
Next, check the pet’s documentation, and if there is anything suspicious, contact a vet first.
6. Consider the Adjustment Period
We are not going to hide this from you: at the beginning, it’s not going to be all sunshine and rainbows. There will be a period of adjustment in which the pet is going to explore its new home by running everywhere.
Prepare the necessary sleeping area, and see how best to train a dog before getting the pet home.
