The thought of owning cats or dogs may be exciting; having someone to play with when you get home after a hard day at work does sound fun. But for that to happen, you will need to ensure that you’re taking good care of them so that they are always healthy and active.
Owning pets is not an easy task and it will require dedication on your part. So before you make a final decision, make sure that you are capable of raising them. Below are some of the things you need to ask yourself.
Do I have the Financial Capability?
Just like raising a baby, you will need to make sure that you have enough funds to raise your pets well. These precious darlings will be a part of the family and thus, you need to provide for them.
For one, you will have to prepare for the upfront expenses needed for their acquisition. These include expenses related to spaying or neutering as well as the initial medical exam and vaccinations. You will then have to budget for the regular pet-related expenses like food, vitamins and routine vet care.
You will also need to set a budget plan for emergency situations. Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, accidents and illnesses can still happen. So it’s wise to have enough financial reserves to pay for out-of-the-ordinary expenses that your beloved pets might need. A good way to ensure that you have the financial capability should your dog or cat require medical attention is to invest in pet insurance. By setting a portion of your income regularly for this financial arrangement, you can be sure that you won’t have to deplete your personal savings during a crisis.
Do I have the Time?
As part of the family, pets will want your attention. If you’re always in the office, then why will you want a pet in the first place? You need to set aside time to be with your pet so that you can establish a strong relationship. If you will be really busy, at least make sure to prepare and serve their meals daily.
Buy some toys that the two of you can play together. A simple ball for a dog can give hours of fun and you don’t even need to have high energy to play fetch. Also, give your pet a chance to exercise by strolling in the park together. If you have an active dog, going out for runs can be a great activity for the two of you.
Do I have the Space?
Your choice of pet will depend on the space you have at home. Obviously, you can’t own large, active pets if you have a small house unless you also have a vast backyard. The safety of your home needs to be assessed as well. Are there many harmful substances lying around the house that the pets can accidentally eat? Are there fragile items in common areas that can cause accidents? Is there a special area for your pets to mark as their territory?
You also have to consider your neighborhood, especially if you have a purebred pet which could be a target for abduction. Is the area safe from crime? Is there a way to strengthen the security level in and around your property such as the installation of CCTV? These are just some of the questions to ask.
In conclusion, owning pets can be one of the most rewarding things you do, but ensuring their welfare requires dedication and passion. So before you’ll adopt dogs or cats, make sure you have the capabilities to raise them well.