Bringing a pet into the family is one of the most exciting and joyful things you can do. A pet brings boundless energy and happiness into the house (and plenty of fur!) But, you can forgive the odd furball when they’re always happy and excited to see you. Whether it’s a dog, cat or a rabbit, it’s a lovely addition to the family. It’s especially great for kids who will love having a furry critter around the house.
For the kids, it will teach them to care for animals, and show compassion. It will keep them active, and get them out into the outdoors to walk them. Best of all, it will give them a friend and companion while growing up.
Of course, it’s not always straightforward. Even the smallest of pets require a lot of looking after. They demand time and attention every single day, and you’ve got to be prepared to give it to them. If you can’t meet the requirements of a pet, then it’s not fair to them. If you’re thinking of bringing a pet into the family, keep reading, and find out whether you’re ready!
Choosing the right animal
The first choice is deciding which is the right pet to buy. Most people instinctively want a dog. They are lovable, happy, and a joy to have around the house. But, make sure you understand what’s fully involved with caring for a dog, especially a big dog! Then, there are the various breeds to consider. Some have better temperaments than others, and are safe around children and other animals. Some (like Westies) are quite territorial and hostile to others. On the other hand, big dogs need lots of exercise, and fluffy dogs malt all over the house! So, choose your breed carefully. If you’re not quite ready for the full responsibility of a dog, try a rabbit or a cat. Or why not start small with a goldfish?
Have you got the time?
The most important aspect of getting a pet is the time commitments. A dog, in particular, needs walking at least twice a day. They’ll also need plenty of playtime and attention in between. Looking after an animal like this requires as much time as possible, and you need to be willing to offer it. If you spend 12 hours a day at work, and leave the house empty, it’s not really fair on the dog. Even the smaller animals like rabbits demand plenty of time. They need exercise and feeding twice a day too. If you don’t think you’ve got the time to look after an animal, please don’t make a snap decision. They need constant care and attention. Make sure you can give it to them!
Does your home suit a pet?
It’s not just the time issue that you should consider. It’s also the environment that your pet would live in. Is it suitable for their size and energy levels? If you live in a shoebox apartment, a big dog will quickly get bored, and even start destroying things. Worse, they may start to develop health problems. The ideal home for a pet is large with a decent sized garden. If you can’t offer the right size, perhaps it’s worth starting with something small. Even a cat will adapt to a small environment, so long as it can access the outside world. That top-floor apartment isn’t exactly ideal!
How will you train them?
An important aspect of any pet ownership is training. You want to make sure you have the time and skills to teach your dog the rules of the house. It takes a long time to develop habits, and it’s even harder if they’re an older animal. In some cases, it might be easier to take them to a training centre, but again, you’ll need the time to do this. Even smaller animals like rabbits need a certain level of training. Otherwise, you can say goodbye to your cables and carpets!
Your budget
Animals are expensive, there’s no doubt about it. First of all, there’s the up-front cost of buying your pet. Some pedigree dogs cost thousands, especially for the pure-breeds. But, the budget doesn’t end there. You’ll have to factor in the cost of food and health care. There are also toys and fun extras like dog bunk beds (trust us, you’ll want to spoil them!) Last of all, don’t forget to budget the cost of kennels when you go on holiday. It’s hidden costs like this that catch you out.
Pet-proofing the house
You can’t always stop your pets from tearing up the house! But, you can do your best to prevent it. As we’ve mentioned, even the smaller rabbits will nibble and chew their way through your best carpets. You’ll have to think about adapting the house to suit their nibbling habits! In some cases, you might want to rethink carpets entirely, especially if you’ve got a few dogs running around.
Vaccinations and insurance
One of the most important things to consider is your pet’s health. They’ll require a series of regular vaccines and immunisations. You may also want to think about getting them neutered or spayed. That will calm any aggressive temperament, and keep them from reproducing. On top of that, it’s worth investing in pet insurance. The fees for treatments are often extortionate, so you don’t want to get caught out.
Teeth and grooming
Two last things that many new pet owners forget about are teeth and grooming. Your pet’s health relies on their ability to eat healthily. A lot of the main health issues in dogs, cats, and rabbits all start in the mouth. They need to keep their teeth in check with lots of chewing and biting. If you choose a dog, you’ll also need to brush their teeth on a regular basis. Grooming is also essential to keep their fur clean and healthy. It will cause plenty of malting, but it’s vital to keep fleas and ticks from growing.
The only thing left to do is shower them with love and attention!
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