Mar
Owning a pet may be may be a rewarding experience to us. However, such great positive effect of pet owning is also anchored by great responsibility.
If you are planning to raise a pet, here are some questions you need to ask yourself beforehand. These questions should help you have an informed decision about pet ownership.
1. Am I Willing to Commit?
Animals are also like humans. They need tender loving care.
Dogs and cats usually have around 12 years lifespan. Some even live up to 15 or 20 years. That means it would be a long-term commitment you need to have.
As you can see, people who have pets are just as busy as those who have children. Hence, sparing time for your pet is a must.
Pets’ necessities are also like that of humans. Food, shelter, and healthcare of great considerations you need to think before owning a pet. Some animals are picky to what they eat; animal food varies depending on the kind of specie you want to pet.
There are also animals that are sensitive to the environment around them. That’s why you need to choose the animal that suits the environment you have now.
If you get animal you will probably spend most of your time in contact with your pet. Hence, as a pet owner, your fur buddy’s overall welfare should be your top priority.
2. Is My Lifestyle Fit for Petting?
We need to check on our lifestyle before we choose to have a pet. We have to admit to ourselves that there will be certain pets that are not right for us.
For instance, if you consider raising hamsters as pets, know that they are great in escaping and want silent surroundings. So you need to consider if your place is enough to cater to their needs and is appropriate for them.
Think about your calendar, too. Do you have time for your pets? Again, you’ll go back to the question to your willingness to commit to your future pet.
Another question you have to ask yourself is do you have the means to raise the pet you want? Some animals have a costly lifestyle and this is the sobering truth. We know that vaccinations, health exams, and other medications are costly. Add up the daily food expenses for your pet.
If you are a travel person or if the nature of your work requires a lot of travel, take into account who will pet-sit your pet if you’re away. That’s why you need to choose a pet that matches your lifestyle and expectations to prevent situations wherein you need to abandon your pet.
3. Is My Home Pet-Friendly?
Many people do not have their own houses. If you’re a student you must know first if your landlord would allow pets in the vicinity. Also, most of the rental communities do not allow pets for some reasons.
Take into consideration the appropriate shelter for your chosen pet. If you are living in a small space and you raise a dog, especially a playful breed that want to run around, then your home might not be appropriate for your pet.
4. What Breed and Age of the Pet Is Right for Me?
Every animal has its own appropriate age to be separated from its mother. Take for example, cats: kittens are allowed only to be separated from their moms after several months when they are already able to walk and will not depend to their mother’s milk.
Every breed of animal has its own appropriate age separation from their environment and parents. Research about this ahead.
5. Will I Bear the Adjustment Period?
Animals also have adaptation problems. When animals are transferred from a new environment like bringing a new pet into your home, things will get a bit trickier. You need to let your new pet feel they are safe in their new environment and that they are away from danger.
For example, when you adopt a puppy into your home and decide to put him in a dog cage, be prepared for crying and whining. Dogs usually cry at night when they are in their new home. You must need to know how to make your new puppy comfortable and help him easily adapt to the new environment.
6. Am I Willing to Train My Pet?
Again, raising pets need commitment. The most important precaution to consider yourself is the willingness to give tender care for your pet.
Training them is a way for them to easily adjust and adapt to the new home he or she will be living.
7. Is There Any Nearby Vet in Case of Emergencies?
Care and commitment to your pet includes the health being of your pet. Some animals are fragile and that they get sick easily. For that, having nearby specialist should be one of your considerations to avoid the lost of your lovely pet. If you are planning to raise an exotic animal, just make sure that you can attend to its health needs.
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