Bringing a pet in to the home can be a source of great joy and fulfillment, just make sure you are prepared for the time, money and effort.
As your relationship with your partner continues to grow and change over the years, you probably are constantly looking forward to the next big step. From getting married to buying a home together, there are many milestones that couples face. If you are thinking about expanding your family but do not feel prepared to have a child, then you may be considering a pet. Bringing a furry friend into your home can totally transform your lives for the better. Of course, you first need to take time to ensure this is the right fit for your needs.
Do You Have Time For A Pet?
The biggest question you both need to ask when you want to get a pet is whether you have time for the commitment. A pet is a lot of work and can demand a lot of your energy. This goes double when you wish for a very young animal like a puppy or a kitten. Not only will you need to put a lot of time into training the little guy, you also will find that it takes a whole lot of energy. When you work all the time, a pet is not a sensible fit.
Beyond the early days of training, your pet will require a set amount of time from you each day. A dog, for example, needs to be taken on several lengthy walks each day. This means you need to be ready to go outdoors for a bathroom break with your pup even when it is raining, snowing, or the middle of the night. A cat is less demanding in this way, but not without a fair share of daily responsibilities. From regular feedings to litterbox maintenance, cats can have just as many time-consuming needs as dogs.
Financial Thoughts
Having enough time for this investment is only the tip of the iceberg. A pet may not be anywhere near as expensive as a child, but this does not mean getting one is a cheap endeavor. When you first get a little puppy or kitty to bring into your home, you will need to put down a lot of money. Typically, early expenses for a pet include immunizations, basic vet services, spaying and neutering operations, foods, toys, vital accessories related to bodily functions like leashes and litterboxes, and several other key items.
What’s more, certain expenses recur on a regular basis. Just as you need to eat multiple times each day to remain strong and healthy, so does your pet. While your dog may eat the same meal every day, you still need to go out and buy your pup’s food when it runs low. Surprise expenses like vet visits can also appear out of nowhere, which can sometimes be financially demanding. Before making your final decision, think about whether your budget reflects the true costs associated with giving a pet a comfortable life. Moreover, keep in mind that as your animal ages, the medical costs associated with their health will most assuredly go up.
Adoption Is a Must
Finally, consider adoption. Statistics state that there are more homeless pets around the world than ever before. Shelters are constantly inundated with dogs and cats from families who made irresponsible choices or decided pet ownership was “too much” for them to handle. While you can purchase your pet from a breeder, adopting may turn out to be a superior choice. With so many animals in need of love and a forever home, there is absolutely no need to pay for a designer pet. Make the right choice and visit your local shelter to learn more.
Bringing a pet into your relationship can be a wonderful decision. Before you get ahead of yourself though, think about the responsibilities that come along with owning a pet. By doing some preliminary research, you will know whether you are ready for the exciting milestone of welcoming the first family pet into your home.
