Thinking of getting a pet? Ask yourself these 8 questions

The phrase has been circulating on the Internet for many years: “Anyone who believes that happiness cannot be bought has never bought a puppy.” This is true: animals can become for us an inexhaustible source of joy, companions, friends. But only if we, for our part, are ready to take responsibility for them.

“Before you bring an animal into the house, you need to evaluate whether you will “pull” it morally and financially, whether you have enough time and energy to deal with it, whether the pet will be fine with you,” explains animal behavior consultant Erin Askland. But how to understand this in advance, especially if you have never had animals in your family before? You need to honestly answer yourself the following questions.

1. Can I afford a pet?

Even if you are not going to pay a breeder a tidy sum for a thoroughbred puppy or kitten, you must remember that the maintenance of any living creature involves certain costs.

“Buying the pet itself, a bed, bowls and toys is just the beginning: you need to include regular visits to the veterinarian, vaccinations, if necessary, grooming, toilet filler or diapers and, of course, food,” reminds Askland. “It’s also worth starting to save money in case the pet suddenly gets sick – veterinary clinic services usually cost a pretty penny.”

2. Will I have time to deal with a new friend?

Pets, as a rule, require a lot of attention, so you need to soberly weigh your strengths – whether there really is the necessary time in your schedule.

“Of course, some animals need more care and attention than others. But in any case, you will need to deal with them: feed, care, train, play. If you come home late and are exhausted, think about it: maybe it’s not worth hanging another responsibility on yourself, Askland advises. – Pets give us a lot of positive emotions, but they also require a lot of investment from us – first of all, time. Think in advance about who you will leave the animal with during the holidays and whether he will be bored alone for a long time.

3. Is my accommodation suitable for this?

If you live in a studio apartment, perhaps getting a dog, especially a large one, is not a good idea: she needs space, the ability to actively move. In addition, the animal, especially while it is still small, needs supervision. Are there any places in your apartment where a puppy or kitten can get stuck or hurt?

“Perhaps it would be better to immediately purchase special barriers and block areas of an apartment or house that are potentially dangerous for a pet,” Askland recommends. – And, of course, if you are renting a house, you should immediately discuss this issue with the owner. You need to be prepared to reimburse the cost of repair if the pet ruins something.

4. Am I really ready?

“Getting a pet is a big step: you have to understand that you have to spend together, say, the next ten years,” explains veterinarian Roland Tripp. “And, if you can’t give him attention and time, your pet can become anxious and naughty, and communication with him instead of joy will bring you a headache.”

Will the new occupant of the house fit into your schedule and lifestyle? Will you “abandon” it sooner or later, having played enough? Ask yourself these questions before taking an animal impulsively, simply because it was “love at first sight”.

5. Is this breed right for me?

Before you start an animal, especially a dog, study the maximum information about the breed: about habits, character. Is such a pet too active? Will it require the amount of attention that you will not be able to give? Can you walk him for as long as you need?

Will it grow too big? Will you be able to transport it in the car, especially if you have to use a carrier? Is there a place in the house for his couch, house, toilet? Will it have too much wool? Will you have allergies? Isn’t it too loud? Does he get along with other animals or small children?

6. Who can I turn to for help and support?

“If you are not living alone, it is important that the rest of the household is ready for the appearance of the animal’s home and agree to take part in caring for it,” Askland writes. “Many pets are quite sociable, and if someone close is categorically against animals in the house, this can lead to conflicts.”

If the whole family agrees, it’s worth thinking about how to distribute responsibilities and maybe even make a schedule for caring for him.

7. Do I have a good idea of ​​what it is like to be the owner of an animal?

“To be a good owner means to perfectly understand the needs of the animal and be ready to satisfy them. And also to realize that it is for a long time, ”explains the author. She advises, before getting a pet, to read books and articles about a particular breed, talk to those who have or had such a pet, estimate the costs and possibilities, carefully weigh the pros and cons.

8. Am I ready, if necessary, to make some sacrifices for the sake of a pet?

If with your current lifestyle you don’t have much time to care for and communicate with him, consider whether you are really ready to change something. Are you ready to return home early, refusing invitations from friends to walk the dog? Will you be able to refuse vacations in exotic countries?

Yes, in 2020 most of us were sitting at home, but sooner or later the situation will change – will the animal fit into these new realities? “Particularly careful consideration should be given to those whose work involves frequent traveling,” says Askland. “In addition, at the very beginning, when the pet first appears in your house, it is worth spending as much time as possible with it so that a connection develops between you, so that you can train the animal, accustom it to the feeding and walking regime.”