Pets can make a wonderful addition to the family and become loyal companions. But before you bring a dog or cat into your home, it’s a good idea to make sure that now is the right time to do so. You don’t want to adopt a pet on a whim only to realize you don’t have the time or resources to properly care for it. Here are a few factors to take into consideration before you head to the local shelter and find the perfect pet for your family:
Is Everyone On Board?
Owning a pet is a big responsibility. Just because one person wants a dog doesn’t necessarily mean everyone else does. Talk to your family and get their input. Make sure they understand what comes along with owning a dog, such as taking it for walks in the rain, cleaning up after it in the yard, and keeping toys and other objects put away so the dog doesn’t get them. For cats, someone needs to clean the litter box. Everyone should be in agreement about getting a pet and doing their fair share to care for it.
Do You Have the Time?
As communities slowly begin to open up again, kids return to school, adults return to work, and extracurriculars start up, do you have the time to devote to a dog? If you’re not ready for the time commitment of training a puppy, perhaps an adult or senior dog would be a better choice as they’ve often already been trained and housebroken. Do you have any major trips or obligations coming up that would not be conducive to having a new pet in your home? If you’re going to adopt, make sure you have the time available to bond with the dog or cat and get to know one another.
Do You Have the Space?
Raising a big dog in a tiny apartment is not ideal. Pick a pet that will be comfortable in the amount of space you have available. Perhaps a cat would be better for now as they don’t tend to take up much room and don’t need grass or space outdoors either. Also think about how much yard you have, or how far the nearest park or green space is. If you get a dog, you’ll want it to be able to run around and have a grassy spot to go to the bathroom. Plan accordingly and figure out what makes sense for your living arrangement.
Can You Afford It?
Budget your finances accordingly so you know that you’ll have enough to properly care for your new pet. They’ll need trips to the vet and groomers, food, toys, preventive medications, collar and tags, and boarding if you go out of town. Plus there are medical expenses if they should become ill or injured. Plan for these costs as part of your monthly budget, and put a little extra away in case of an emergency.
Having a four-legged friend as part of your family can be a memorable and rewarding experience. Owning a pet can be great for your physical and mental health. Just make sure you understand everything that goes along with being a pet owner when deciding if now is the best time to adopt, or if you should wait. If you do get a pet, don’t forget to add Lake Wylie Pet Resort to your list of go-to providers for boarding and grooming. We’ll keep your pet safe and looking their best. Contact us today to schedule your pet’s next stay!