How to choose the right pet for you
Bringing a pet into your home can be one of the most wonderful things when the time is right. Making sure you have all bases covered first is the best way to be prepared when bringing an animal home. We’ve compiled a list of factors to consider when adopting a first or new pet whether it be furry, scaly or live in a tank!
Consider your home & family:
- Do you have children or other pets in your home? If so, you need to make sure that all are able to cohabit and welcome a new animal. For example, if you have children under 3, it is not advised to get a kitten or smaller dog breeds as they can be fragile and nervous around young children.
- Do you have space in your home to facilitate a pet? If you’re drawn more towards larger dog breeds, make sure you have the room in your home and garden for them. They need plenty of space, indoors and outdoors.
Tip – If you are adopting from a shelter or a charity, they will usually go through home checks before allowing you to take the animal home. They do this for a number of reasons: to make sure you don’t live near any main, busy roads or train tracks (especially important for outdoor cats), have plenty of space and access to outdoors easily and also if you have other pets and how they are around other animals (if the animal you are choosing doesn’t need to be a solo pet).
Examine your lifestyle:
- Will you be able to live with pet hair, litter boxes and occasional wear and tear on furniture that pets can create? As much fun it is to have a pet, they are also a lot of responsibility and living with one, big or small, can be a long-term commitment, even small pets like fish still need feeding & cleaning out often.
- Do you work long hours or travel frequently? If so, cats, although one of the most independent pets still need playtime and petting. Dogs with a temperament that can tolerate being left alone at times would also be more suitable, research your breeds properly so that your dog doesn’t get too bored or lonely. Make sure to spend as much time with them as you can, and if you are away from home, ensure proper care is available for them. If you are away from home more than there, pets may not be the best option for your lifestyle.
- Active dogs are great for active lifestyles – whether your an avid hiker or love long road trips, a dog can be your best travel companion if you are properly prepared and equipped. Just choose a breed that is very active and can keep up (or ahead) of you.