We are a nation of pet lovers, but it can be hard to get on board with the animal obsession if you’ve never had a pet before. It may seem drastic if you’re new to the fold, but becoming a pet parent is life-changing. In this guide for aspiring owners, we’ll share some top tips and an honest insight into what life is like when you welcome a new addition to the family.
Assuming New Responsibilities
If you’ve never had a pet before, you might roll your eyes when people say that having a puppy or kitten is like having a newborn. The reality is that when you get a pet, you assume a whole host of new roles and responsibilities. You are now responsible for looking after your new family member and ensuring they are happy and healthy. Daily jobs may include going for walks, throwing balls across the backyard endlessly, brushing and grooming, washing, feeding, changing litter trays, scooping up poop and providing plenty of cuddles and praise. Having a pet, particularly a dog, is time-consuming. Dogs don’t like to be left alone for long periods, and they thrive on human company and affection. Cats are a little more independent, but many still love to interact with their owners. Be prepared for barking and miaowing if you’re not giving your pets enough attention.
Gaining A New Best Friend
Gaining a new best friend is by far the best thing about getting a pet. If you treasure your canine companion or feline friend, they will repay you with love in spades. Unlike human friends, they won’t judge you and they’ll always have time to listen to you and give you a cuddle if you’ve had a bad day or you need cheering up. Pets become part of the family. Many owners strike up profoundly loving relationships with their pets. Once your new buddy has been with you for a few weeks, you’ll probably forget what life was like before them and struggle to imagine life without them.
Covering Costs
As much as having a pet offers a dazzling array of benefits, it is important to understand the financial implications. When you have a pet, you’ll need to think about expenses like food, toys, bowls and beds, veterinarian fees, training and insurance. This can all add up. Research shows that the average cost of owning a dog ranges from $1,500 to $9,900 per year depending on the breed and the age and health status of the dog.
To reduce costs, you can shop around for the best deals on pet insurance, buy food in bulk and encourage healthy living habits to lower the risk of illnesses and injuries. Use the Internet to compare prices on pet food, accessories and toys.
Adjusting Your Home And Routine
Welcoming a pet into your home may require changes to your routine. You may find that you have to get up early to let your pooch out or that you now struggle to get a full night’s sleep because your cat has a penchant for your pillow. You may need to spend more time working from home or adjust travel plans. Another change you may need to consider is pet-proofing your home. If you have a puppy, for example, it’s best to remove temptations, cover sofas and chairs and lock cupboards.
Owning a pet can take some getting used to. To help you prepare and adjust, it’s a brilliant idea to ask friends who have pets for advice and to join online communities like Cats Ace, which offer tips and provide access to buying guides, chats and helpful articles. Read up on different breeds before you decide which dog or cat to buy or rescue and prepare your home in advance. This will help you to oversee a smoother transition. Talking to other pet owners can help if you’re worried that your new pet hasn’t settled or you’re unsure if their behavior is normal. You can also contact your local veterinarian if you need advice.
Restrictions On Travel And Socializing
Being a pet parent can be similar to parenting a child when it comes to restrictions on your social life and travel plans. While you can leave most cats overnight, dogs can only be left for short periods. If you like to travel, it’s important to think carefully about whether it’s the right time to get a pet. If you want to go ahead, you’ll need to consider who will look after your furry friend while you’re away. You could ask friends or family members to help out, hire a pet sitter or explore boarding options. Likewise, if you’re a fan of spending weekends away or going out, you may need to scale back your plans if you have a pet. Dogs don’t like to be left alone and they can get very distressed if they feel lonely. Cats are less needy but most need plenty of human interaction.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
When you bring a pet home, you take responsibility for their health and well-being. It’s crucial to understand what you can do to reduce health risks and make sure your pet is happy and healthy. Tailor your plans to suit the individual pet. This is particularly beneficial if you’re rescuing an older pet or your cat or dog has underlying health issues. Seek advice from your vet. General rules for good health include exercising regularly, providing a healthy and balanced diet and creating a safe, calming environment. Keep up to date with routine checks and vaccinations and avoid giving your pet any foods that aren’t suitable for them. It can be tough to resist puppy dog eyes, but giving them human treats can be harmful.
Watching movies, reading books and seeing pet owners in the park can give you an idea of what it’s like to be a pet parent, but nothing can really prepare you for what happens when you welcome a new furry family member. Having a pet is wonderful in so many ways, but it can also be challenging. It’s expensive to care for pets and they demand a lot of time and attention. If you’re thinking about getting a pet, make sure you’re ready for everything this roller coaster ride will throw at you.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
