By Lynn Cadet

If you’re looking to adopt a fur baby for the first time, there is some information you should know before you make the decision. That sounded super serious. But, hey, taking care of a pet can take a lot of work. Depending on your pet preference, the amount of responsibility you take on can skyrocket, like waking up in the wee hours to play with your adorable but clingy puppy. Luckily, there is the internet to help you do your homework on pet adoption before you decide. 

Pets are like a new family member and require a lot of care. Although the responsibility is high, cuddling with your new furry baby will feel pretty worth it. Of course, that’s still subjective. We don’t want you pulling your hair out from the weight of the pet care burden, so look to these tips for some advice to consider before taking the full-fledged leap into pet parenthood. 

Take Your Time Making The Decision

Like choosing a career, committing to a romantic relationship or what colour to dye your hair next (maybe not so much the latter), making a decision in pet adoption takes serious reflection. Although you may look into those adorable eyes and see your future, making a snap decision won’t help either one of you. Several variables roll into this decision-making process. Essentially, it is a lifestyle change because you will now have a new dependent. 

Answering these essential questions will help you decide:

  • How much time can you allocate to caring for your pet each day?
  • Can you financially accommodate another mouth to feed and vet bills?
  • How do you view your future and the changes that will come?
  • How will they fit in with other household members or resident pets?

Knowing the answers to these questions will give you a clearer perspective of the adoption process and the type of animal that best fits your household.

Research Shelters In Your Area

Adopting means finding your lovely furry friend at a shelter. Sadly, pet stores and breeders still get tons of business when so many animals need a good home. Many sellers ignore ethical or safe practices when caring for and breeding their animals, while if a shelter animal does not find a home, it will be put to sleep. 

There are animals in the world that already need a home. That is why checking out a shelter is more important than researching a breeder and purchasing a newborn from a puppy mill.

Make Sure Your Lifestyle Can Take On Furry Addition

I already mentioned how adopting a pet can result in a lifestyle shift, but let’s expand on it. Bringing a new addition into your family requires lots of attention, care, and adaptation, especially if you’re a first-time pet owner. First, you must figure out what type of animal would best fit your lifestyle or schedule. 

If you’re always on the go or spend long hours at work, a smaller animal, like a hamster, fish, or cat, would easily work into your life. These animals tend to require less maintenance and attention than a dog, although kittens and energetic cats could fit into this category too. However, you shouldn’t leave any pet unattended for more than one day.

How clean do you like your home? Dogs and cats constantly shed hair. So, you have to think about how often you want to clean up or if you are willing to adjust to a hairier home.

Budgeting for your furry companion should also take top priority. Can you afford trips to the vet, food, spaying, proper identification, grooming, etc.?

Think About The Future

Owning a pet is a long-term commitment. As dogs generally live up to 10 to 15 years and cats up to 20 years, looking at your future timeline can help you determine if making this adoption choice is the right one. Life is full of changes and surprises. 

If you’re thinking about moving, having children, or even switching careers, do you see caring for a pet fitting into these changes?

Shower Your Pet With Plenty of Love And Affection

As you know, pets require time and plenty of love. You should set aside at least 30 minutes for energetic play with your cat or smaller animals. Dogs desire even more time and love to play outside. You’ll surely get your exercise in with a high-energy cat or dog! So make sure you research the type you want to adopt. 

Now that you have all the pointers and the considerations, you can make your decision. Owning a pet isn’t always sunshine and hugs, but those hugs sure are warm and cuddly. So what do you say? Are you ready for a new furry BFF?

Advertisement