Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Pet

Photo source

Most of us have had a pet at some point in our lives. If you don’t have a pet right now, you may be considering getting one. Now, there are so many perks that come hand in hand with getting a pet that it would be impossible to list them all in one article. They can make great companions. They can bring a smile to your face. They can entertain you. You can bond with them. But it’s absolutely essential that you really think about the decision to get a pet over before diving in the deep end and buying or adopting one. At the end of the day, pets are sentient, feeling beings and you will be entirely responsible for their health, well being and happiness. Some can live a long time and pet’s don’t grow up and gain responsibility in the same way that kids do - you’ll remain responsible for them and will have to care for them their whole lives. You need to be absolutely certain that you can meet their needs and more! Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself first.

Can I Afford this Pet?

Any pet is going to come with financial costs. Some, admittedly, more than others. But there’s going to be outgoings attached to them. All animals require veterinary care - whether that’s vaccinations, worming, flea treatments, booster injections or anything else they need on a regular basis. That’s before we consider potential costs attached to unexpected illnesses or accidents. Realistically, any pet you have needs to be insured so you can always provide the care they need. Take into account that this insurance cost can rise as they age too, so may not be cheap forever. Then, you need to think about food costs. Bedding costs. The cost of toys and games they may enjoy. Treats. The list goes on. Pets simply aren’t cheap.

Can I Meet this Animal’s Needs

Different animals have different needs. A horse’s care will vary drastically from a dog’s care. A cat’s care will be hugely different to a cichlids care. So, make sure to look up the needs of the animal you’re interested in. Does the pet require exercise and will you be able to take them out frequently enough? Do you have enough space? Can you keep up with necessary grooming? You need to be able to tick every box in order to give this pet a good quality of life.

Do I Have Enough Time?

Pets require a big time commitment. Sure, some pets can be left to their own devices for longer periods of time as long as they have the right environment - reptiles for example. However, if you’re out of the house all day every day, a dog probably isn’t going to be for you.

These are just a few questions you need to ask yourself before getting a pet. This really is a significant decision that you have to be certain about!