How to Choose the Right Pet for You?

 

How to Choose the Right Pet for You?

Getting a pet is a very exciting time, but providing everything for a new animal can end up being overwhelming.If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, it’s best to learn about the needs of different types of pets to find one that will best suit your lifestyle. Whether we choose to adopt a cat, dog, rabbit, fish, bird, hamster, or guinea pig, knowing that we provide that animal with the best care that it needs is an important aspect of being a pet caretaker.

Questions to ask before picking a pet:

The first step in deciding if a dog, cat, rabbit, fish, bird, hamster, or guinea pig is the right pet for you involves asking yourself a series of questions, and this should be done long before you visit the shelter. Each type of pet is different in terms of care, feeding, behavior, cost, housing and demands on your time. If you know what you’re getting into, you’ll be more likely to have a happy animal, a good relationship with your pet, and an easier time dealing with any challenges that might arise.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider what type of pet to get:

• How long will you be away from your pet? Do you work long hours or travel frequently? Some pets need more frequent exercise or feeding, and might not be a good choice for owners who spend a lot of time away from home. If you are rarely home, then choosing a dog that needs lots of attention and daily walks would not be a good idea. Your cat can handle herself for eight to 10 hours a day as long as you provided enough food and water to tide her over until you get home.

• Do you have someone who can be a secondary caregiver if you are away from home? If not, how will you provide care for your pet when you travel? Consider not just short-term absences, but also what might happen if your pet outlives you, and plan accordingly for your pet’s care.

• Do local laws or your housing arrangement limit your choice of pet? If you rent, do you have permission from the property owner?

• Do I have any allergies?Does fur make you sneeze? Do you break out in hives from animal dander?

• Do you have the financial resources if your pet has a medical crisis and has high veterinary bills?

• What are you looking for in a pet? Do you want a lap warmer? A running buddy? Or a pet that’s easy to care for? This will affect your pet choice. Who will care for your pet? Consider the experience level and abilities of the caretaker who will provide for the pet, as well as how much time they will have available. If you have young children, a pet that’s active at night would not be as good a choice as one that is active during the time your child is awake. Although it’s good to involve children in caring for pets if you have them, it is unrealistic to expect a child to be solely responsible for any pet’s care and welfare.

Choosing a pet is not always as simple as checking off a few mental boxes. Maybe you think that a dog would make a perfect pet for you, but it turns out that a rabbit or a bird is your animal soulmate. One key question is where to get your new pet. Please consider adopting: There are many wonderful dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals at most local animal shelters. There are also rescue groups for many specific dogs breeds and other types of pets. What’s more, the staff at your local animal shelter can help you find just the right pet for you. They know the animals in their care and can help you make a good match for your personality and lifestyle.