Bringing a pet home is both incredibly rewarding and a major commitment. Before you adopt or buy, there are five factors you want to consider to help you choose the right one for you. Take the time to consider these points to help you in your search for your new companion.
Budget
The very first factor you want to consider is your budget. Pets can come at a variety of costs, and you need to be aware of them to ensure you can afford your friend for their whole life. Start by considering your one-time costs.
These costs can include adoption, city registration, spay/neuter and the like. There will also be annual expenses you need to factor in, including cleaning, food, toys and vet care. Depending on the animal you chose, these expenses can change. For example, you may think a fish is a cheap pet. But, with the added cost of the aquarium, you could be spending hundreds. Before you purchase your pet be sure to check that you can afford it.
Space
Animals have a variety of needs, and one of the biggest is space. When you adopt an animal, your home becomes their whole world. If you don’t have the room they need, your home quickly becomes their stressor. Before you bring home your pet, be sure to check that you have space or access to it, that they need to be happy. If you are considering a smaller animal such as a hamster, make sure that you have the room to put their cage and any accessories you wish to add. Animals need room. When you choose one, pick one that fits the space you have available to help you keep your pet happy and stress-free.
Availability
One of the most obvious factors when picking a pet is your schedule. A pet relies on you for most of its basic necessities, from food to play. While technology has made a lot of this simpler, you need to be available to spend time with your pet. Once you bring your companion home, you will be their world. When they need food, playtime or even fresh air, they rely on you to provide it. If the pet needs extra care or training, you need to be available to help them with their needs. As you look to decide which animal you would like, consider your schedule and make sure that your new companion can have a place in it.
Personality
Choosing your pet means deciding on an animal that reflects your personality. When you are trying to determine the animal that’s right for you, take the time to consider how they may interact with you. If you are considering a husky, this is a high-energy breed and needs attention. If you don’t have the energy to meet their needs, then it may not be a good fit. Next, you need to consider whether you want to adopt or buy. There are certainly benefits to each, and you need to go over the pros and cons to decide what is best for you. Be sure to consider the age and history of the pet before you pick one out.
Taste
Finally, when you are deciding on your pet, pick one that matches your tastes. Just because a cat fits your budget, space, schedule and personality does not mean that it’s the best one for you. As you pick your animal, think about whether you’re an outdoorsy type, you have a lot of self control or if you are inclined to stay inside most days. Your personality will affect your pet, and you want one that will match you. By doing a little research, you can find the animal that will love you for you. Also, no matter if you want furry or scaly or feathered, choose the animal that fits your needs best.
Whatever animal you choose, you’re going to love your newest family member. Congratulations!