The benefits of owning a pet cannot be underestimated. It boosts your well-being by lowering your blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, and keeping you in shape. Moreover, it reduces depression and anxiety rates and PTSD symptoms. Likewise, your children can understand the value of responsibility while reducing their allergies. It’s no wonder that 86.9 million homes in America have pets making the highest pet-owning country worldwide. However, knowing what to do before adopting your pet can make the experience more enjoyable and worthwhile. Here are a few things you can do.
- Determine how much space you need
Your home space is a huge factor to consider before adopting a pet. This is because pets require enough room to move around and play freely and comfortably. However, your pet species can determine how much space is enough. For instance, cats require less space to thrive; they can fit in your apartment if you have their essentials- litter boxes, food and water dishes, and toys. On the other hand, dogs may require more space, although it’s heavily dependent on the breed. Border collies and kelpies may be uncomfortable without enough room to play.
Therefore, they are best suited for people with bigger homes and outdoor spaces. However, pugs, dachshunds, Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, and so on, don’t need excess space, making them perfect for apartments and smaller houses. If you favour hamsters, fish, turtles, or reptiles, you need a good spot to keep their cages, fish tanks, or terrariums. However, they can thrive well in smaller homes, so keep this in mind.
- Factor in your lifestyle
The last thing you want is to get a pet that isn’t compatible with your lifestyle. Therefore, ensure you pick one you would be more comfortable keeping and caring for. It’s worth noting that animals like dogs enjoy going for walks and hanging out with other dogs. That said, they might not be ideal if you don’t enjoy socialising with others or you often travel and don’t have a pet sitter. Cats are often indoor animals but can thrive well if they have food, water, and toys. Therefore, you can consider them if you are almost always not at home.
You should also consider how much training time your furry friend needs and how much time you can spare for this task. For instance, dogs require intensive training that may seem overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time owning one. Experts recommend daily or weekly training for at least four weeks. However, this may be challenging if work keeps you away the whole day. In this case, pets like fish, cats, reptiles, and so on can be ideal, as they require less training.
- Prepare your home
It’s important to prepare your home for your new pet to ensure their comfort and safety, as well as yours. Fortunately, this task can be easy with the right tips. The first step is to set up a dedicated space for your furry friend. A vacant bedroom or an unused office space can work well, so feel free to leverage them. Setting up a personalised pet space can keep a lot of mess out of other rooms, leaving your home in pristine condition. You can leverage any corner space in your home if you don’t have a spare room. However, this may work for a smaller pet, so keep this in mind. Afterwards, decorate this space to make your animal companion feel more at home. Bedding, blankies, and toys can do the trick.
You should also stock up on essential pet supplies, which you can purchase at credible online stores like PETZOO. While at it, rid your home of toxic houseplants to prevent poisoning or choking. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice your love for plants; Christmas cactus, spider plants, polka dot plants, orchids, ferns, and so on are all pet-friendly options. Securing your home and yard is important to prevent them from wandering and getting lost.
- Invest in pet insurance
Owning a pet can be pretty expensive, but you can go around this by investing in pet insurance. This way, you can save money on vet care, whether a regular checkup or treatment for a life-threatening condition. Experts recommend researching various pet insurance providers to determine the most suitable option. As a tip, get multiple quotes from these companies for a more informed decision. While sticking to your budget is essential, you should also avoid settling for the cheaper options. Instead, stick to those that offer the best value long-term.
