Before you add a furry member to your family, you need to ask yourself the question are you ready for a pet?
You walk by the pet shop window and can’t resist the cute faces. You go to your local shelter “just to look.” Before you know it, you and your new friend are heading to the pet supply store to stock up. That’s really the fun part isn’t it?
Okay, back to reality. The decision to bring an animal into your life is a big one, and should not be made lightly.
Estimates put the number of animals killed in shelters around the U.S. each year, at approximately 4 million. There are many reasons why animals end up there, including treating them as “impulse” items. Unlike the shoes that can be returned without consequences, the same cannot be said for the animal that gets returned.
If you really want to share your life with a pet, then the kindest thing you can do for yourself, and your new furry friend, is to think long and hard before you act.
There are so many things to consider, here are some tips to help you
- Do you live alone, or do you share your home with others? This matters because if it’s only you, all the responsibility will be on your shoulders. Having said that, the same may be true, no matter how many people you live with!
- Make sure that everyone who will be living with this new pet is on board. Even if you’ll assume all the responsibilities, life will become very difficult, very quickly, if your family/roommates are unhappy about the new housemate.
- Do you have the time to care for a pet? Raising a puppy properly is a huge amount of work, and please don’t underestimate that.
- Can you afford it? The initial expense of setting up and buying the necessary supplies, is quite high, and doesn’t end there. No matter how young or how healthy your new pet is, things always happen. You must be prepared for unexpected vet visits, illnesses and medication. Pet sitters and dog walkers may be part of the picture as well.
- Research the different kinds of animals you could get as pets. Perhaps you will be interested in one you have never considered.
- Make sure that you get the right type of pet for your lifestyle. If you work 14 hour days and are off with friends every weekend, perhaps now is not the right time to bring an animal into your life.
- There are other ways to enjoy the company of animals if you are unable to commit to one at this time. Why not volunteer at a sanctuary or animal shelter? Most are in desperate need of help, and you get to hang out with the animals. It’s a win-win situation.
Are you ready for a pet – conclusion
Please remember this is a lifetime commitment, so whatever you decide, make sure you are doing the right thing for yourself and your new family member. If you have answered yes to the question are you ready for a pet than I wish you the best of luck and years of joy.
Lots of Helpful Tips For Finding an Awesome Pet Sitter
Hey, Hindy
If only more people would think about all these factors before getting a pet…
Shared this post on social media. Even if one more people thinks about all these factors thanks to reading this, it´s a success.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for sharing this Cevin. If only…
hi Hindy
Such good advice! I think that too many people bring a pet into their home impulsively and then realize that they might actually not have the time to have one….And who ends up suffering? Their pet. And that breaks my heart. Or! They do not research the type of pet they buy. As every breed of dogs is different with different needs. And one needs to be aware of them before. As much as I wish I could have a pet (probably a kitten as I live in a condo), I know I work too much right now and I am not often home. It would be selfish for me to have a pet right now and not healthy for the pet. So I will wait a bit until I am less busy and can dedicate more time to a furry companion 🙂
Thank you Emily. Too many people don’t have a real understanding of how much time, effort, commitment and money is required to properly care for any kind of pet. Some require a lot more work than others, but it doesn’t minimise the commitment level. You’re right that it’s the pet that always suffers, and sometimes it ends with the loss of their lives. It’s great that you realise now is not the right time for you to add a pet to your family, why stress yourself out. When you are ready, you will enjoy it so much more!
Hey Hindy,
I recently saw a documentary on Netflix that showed that animals being put down in shelters is at an all time high. The number one pet that people were putting down were pit bulls.
For me I have always loved cats and lizards. Kind of an interesting mix. But, I know that I really don’t want to get a kitten because it will torment one of my 4 leopard geckos or 3 bearded dragons.
I did have a question for you though. What breed of cats are the easiest and cheapest breeds to take care of. I had Persian cats years ago. They were great, but they have long hair and need to be brushed daily or their hair gets matted up and they get hair balls. This leads to them throwing up a lot which isn’t fun to clean up.
Also, what is a good cheap puppy that you recommend with minimal upkeep? Any that you might want to avoid too?
Hi Garen, it is heartbreaking about the number of pitbulls ending up in shelters, and inevitably killed. That’s down to people who get them as status symbols, to look tough, for fighting… I find your use of the word “cheapest” in regards to animals a bit concerning. I personally do not go by breeds, because I rescue animals that need homes. There is no such thing as a “cheap” animal, or one with “minimal” upkeep. Any pet is amazing, but they all require some level of work and financial outlay, of course some more than others. In my opinion, a pet should not be chosen because of how cheap they are, or based on the amount of work. I believe one should love the type of animal they are bringing into their family, and be prepared to clean up their messes, meet all their needs, and give them the care they need and deserve. What you get back in return is so much more.