There is nothing like the love of a pet (dogs for me). I’m passionate about pet ownership- I have three dogs who mean everything to me. But pet ownership comes with an entire set of obligations that you may not think about. A cute and cuddly little arm puppy can turn into a 100 pound beast with time. Do your research before you adopt any pet. And I do recommend adoption versus purchasing a dog. Shelters are filled with wonderful cats and dogs who are longing for a loving home. Let’s explore some things you’ll want to consider before blessing your home with a new pet. And remember- pets may be something you own, but they are living creatures with their own personalities, needs, and love to give. DO NOT GET A PET IF YOU DON’T INTEND TO KEEP IT FOR IT’S ENTIRE LIFE.

Man with dogs in the field

Are pets allowed in your home

Before you even begin your search for the perfect pet, it’s essential to find out if you are allowed pets in your home. Some landlords have strict rules regarding pet ownership and will include this in your lease. If you’re renting, it’s a good idea to find out if you’re allowed to have pets before you start the adoption process. If you rent your home and are looking to move,  you will need to look for a Pet friendly apartment or house to move to before bringing your new family member home. Don’t be taken by surprise by hearing that your landlord demands you rehome your pet. It’s not fair to the animal and can cause it emotional stress.

You have to be patient

All pets require training. Training your pet will help them behave appropriately in your home. It will also help you understand your pet better and establish a bond with them. Training your pet isn’t a quick or easy task. Training can take weeks, months, or even years, depending on the pet. It’s important to consider how much time you have to dedicate to training. If you’re constantly busy and don’t have enough time to dedicate to training your pet, you probably should consider not adopting. Your pet will need you to be present in its life. Pet training not only teaches your pet valuable lessons, it also teaches your family members how to act around your pet, which can reduce the risks of injury and mishaps. Regular training can also help reduce pet-related problems in your home, such as destructive behavior or excessive barking.

Can you afford the costs associated

Pets come with many expenses, and it’s vital for your to consider all of the costs. Large breed dogs require a lot of food. My Golden Pyrenees alone eats four coups of dog food a day (and he’s on the smaller side). Depending on the breed, you may have to pay for grooming which can be almost as much as a human salon. Regular vet visits and immunizations can run in the hundreds of dollars each year. And the cost of flea and tick medications add more costs on top of that. Pets are much like children, sometimes they become so ill or injured that your pet could end up in the emergency room. But if you love your pet, you’ll want it to have the care it needs to live a long and healthy life.

Pet daycare

You’ll need to remember that your pet must have lots of daily supervision. If you work outside the home, you may want to consider pet daycare. This can ensure your pet is living its best life. Dogs especially need companionship. Daycare can provide daily activities so he won’t become bored and maybe destructive. Also, you need to consider what you’ll do with your pets when you go out of town or on vacation. You can hire a house sitter to take care of your pet while your away or have them boarded. Preparing your pet for this is important. Introduce them to the sitter or visit the boarding facility to acclimate before traveling.

The benefits outweigh the costs

There are many benefits to owning a pet. Pets can offer companionship, love, and joy. However, it’s essential to consider the responsibilities and demands of pet ownership before adopting a pet. The demands could be too much for young families. Don’t make the mistake of falling in love with a little fur ball without considering all that’s associated with pet ownership. They make your life better but only if you can fulfill your responsibilities of ownership.

 

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