Will you make a good pet owner?
People make many changes and decisions in the new year, but when it comes to deciding on adopting a new pet you need to consider the pros and cons.
Adopting a living being isn’t just a spur of the moment decision; puppies are adorable and everyone wants one, but are you equipped to handle the responsibility it comes with?
Consider the following before adopting:
How does your family feel about it?
Remember, it’s not only you who has to live with the animal, the rest of the household must agree to the adoption if you want peace in your home.
Know the responsibilities that come with a new pet.
A new puppy can be a handful; it has to be walked regularly, groomed and trained.
You cannot up and leave your home at a moment’s notice, the pup needs to be properly cared for.
A new addition to your household needs sufficient attention and TLC.
Are you too busy?
You also need to consider how a new pet will fit into your lifestyle.
If you’re working and need to travel regularly, a pet may not be the best choice at the moment.
Think about your home and whether it is suitable for an animal, e.g. does it have a yard and is it properly fenced off so that your pet cannot escape?
Other dogs
If you have other dogs, you strongly need to consider whether they will accept a new pet and how they will get along.
Do not give preference to the new puppy as this may make the other dogs jealous. Give as much attention to the older dogs as you do to the new one.
Choosing a breed
Consider your environment and what size dog it allows for.
If you have a family, you need to think seriously about the breed as not all breeds may be suitable for children.
Don’t stereotype all breeds as every dog has its own personality, but do a little bit of research first.
Can you afford it?
It may get expensive to own a pet when you think about dog food, toys and vet bills.
The most important thing when adopting a pet is to consider whether you can afford the extras.
You may feel you can afford the monthly costs of dog food and so on, but when something happens, such as your dog falling ill or getting injured, you need to be able to afford medical attention, which can be expensive.
Prepare for those scenarios.
If this makes you think twice, there is the option of ‘pet insurance’, which is like a medical aid for your pets. Have a look at some of the options and do research.
