9 Things to Consider Before Getting a New Pet

If you’re thinking about getting a new pet, there are a lot of things to consider. How much space do you have for a new dog or cat? What kind of animal would be compatible with your lifestyle? Do you want to deal with the responsibility of taking care of a new pet – including vet bills, food and toys?

Introduction

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know before bringing a new pet into your home. We’ll talk about different types of pets, how to take care of them, what kind of accessories they might need and how much it will all cost, as well as some helpful tips on finding the best veterinarian for you. Last but not least, we’ll explain why quality pet food is so important for your pet’s health.

So whether you’re a first-time pet owner or you’re looking to add a new family member, read on for everything you need to know before getting a new pet.

Think before getting a new pet

Pets can bring companionship, love and joy into our lives. They offer us comfort and relaxation, and can even help improve our mental and physical health. But before you adopt or buy a new pet, there are some things you should take into consideration. Here are 9 things to think about before taking the plunge:

ONE – Pet review – Do your research

Different pets require different levels of care, from daily walks to regular grooming sessions. Make sure you choose an animal that suits your lifestyle – otherwise, you may not be able to care for them appropriately which would be cruel, or you could end up feeling guilty or resentful toward your pet.

TWO – Pet costs

Think about the cost: Pets can be expensive, especially if you want to buy a specific, large or rare purebred, and all associated specialist equipment or food. Make sure you’re prepared to cover the cost of looking after your pet before you take them home.

For example, for a pet dog this might include;

• The initial cost of the Pet
• Microchipping and Vaccinations
• Desexing
• Registration
• Bed or kennel
• Toys
• Collar, harness, leash and ID tag
• Food
• Puppy preschool (always best to ensure it’s delivered by a certified dog trainer)
• Ongoing vet bills for regular health checks

“If you don’t own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life”

Roger A. Caras

THREE – Finding a good veterinarian

Find a good vet: Your pet will need regular check-ups and vaccinations, so it’s important to find a good veterinarian that you can trust. Ask family and friends for recommendations, or look for reviews online. You can also read our article on Choosing a Vet HERE.

FOUR – Consider Pet insurance

If you don’t have access to $10,000 (for example) for life-saving emergency surgery for your pet, then you might want to consider getting pet insurance. Pet insurance can help to cover the cost of unexpected vet bills, and some come with additional perks and discounts, so it’s worth considering taking out a policy when you get your new pet.

FIVE – Preparing your home for your new pet

Prepare your home: It’s an exciting time bringing home a new family member but there will need to be an introduction process and the animal will need time to transition in to its new environment.

If you’re getting a new puppy, make sure your garden is secure and that you have enough space to store their food and toys. When bringing a new cat home, introduce them to their litter box and create a safe haven for them indoors with scratching posts, climbing shelves and plenty of hiding places, and make sure they can’t get outside! (Cats are ALWAYS inside animals and can wreak havoc on native wildlife)

Ensure you lock away any toxic chemicals they may have access to and there are no other immediate hazards.

For other animals, talk to your vets about what kind of environment is best for them. They may need separate areas, depending on their needs.

SIX – Choosing quality pet food

Choose the right pet food: Your pet’s diet is important for their health, so be sure to choose a high-quality pet food that meets their nutritional needs. Ask your vet for advice on the best foods and treats to feed your pet.

SEVEN – Providing enrichment for your pet

Provide enrichment: To keep your pet happy and healthy, it’s important to provide them with enrichment activities – such as puzzle feeders and chew toys for dogs, or climbing/scratching frames (or even outdoor enclosed runs) for cats. This will help to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors, and can also be a lot of fun to play and bond together with your new best friends.

EIGHT – Be Prepared for your new pet to have little accidents

Be prepared for accidents: Pets have accidents – it’s inevitable! Be sure to have some cleaning products on hand to deal with any messes, and remember to praise your pet when they go in the right place (and don’t ever hit or strike your pet if they have an accident or go in the wrong place). There are a wide variety of house training aids such as puppy pads for helping toilet train your pet.

NINE – Have realistic expectations for your new pet

Have realistic expectations: Pets are a lot of work, so don’t expect them to be perfect. They’ll make mistakes, and they’ll need patience and training from you. But if you’re prepared for the challenges, owning a pet can be incredibly rewarding.

“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

Anatole France

Conclusion

Pets can be a great addition to your life, but it’s important to do your research and be prepared for the challenges before bringing home a new pet. Be sure to choose an animal that fits with your lifestyle, find a good veterinarian that you can trust, and provide enrichment activities to keep them happy and healthy. And finally, don’t forget to budget for the cost of food, toys, accessories, and vet bills. With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to welcome your new pet into the family in no time.

So there you have it – everything you need to know before getting a pet. We hope this has helped you to decide whether or not owning a pet is right for you. Thanks for reading!

Do you have any questions or tips about getting a new pet? Get in touch and let us know!

You might also be interested in our articles on:

Cost Of Owning A Dog

What Are The 10 Best Family Dogs?

Pet Nutrition – Choosing The Correct Dog Food For Your Dog; The Ultimate Guide