Sharing your home and life with a pet can be immensely rewarding. It’s also a lot of responsibility. Sadly, many dogs and cats are surrendered to animal shelters or just dropped somewhere to fend for themselves because people underestimate everything involved in pet ownership. Some pets find another home only to repeat the cycle and others are euthanized before they can find their permanent home. That is why it’s so essential to carefully consider all that caring for a pet entails.
Your Decision Will Affect You for Years
According to the American Humane Association, the average lifespan for dogs is 12 to 15 years while cats can live 15 to 20 years. The little puppy or kitten you bring home today will age rapidly and require your care for a lifetime. Before you act on a whim, be sure to think about the following:
- Are you anticipating any major changes that might affect your ability to care for a pet, such as a move, new job, getting married, or having a baby?
- What do you plan to do if someone in your household is allergic to the new pet or can’t get along with her?
- If the pet is for your children, are they responsible enough to care for it? Are you willing to take over the duties if they don’t meet them or when they move out on their own?
- Can you afford to care for a pet? This post breaks down some of the average costs.
- Are your current living arrangements a good set-up for a pet? An older cat may do just fine in a one-bedroom apartment, but an energetic puppy could annoy the neighbors and become destructive because there aren’t enough outlets for his energy.
- What will you do with your pet when you travel for business or go on vacation?
- Are you willing to get your pet immunized as well as spayed or neutered?
- How will you handle behavioral issues such as chewed up furniture and inappropriate elimination?
- Do you have time to play with and exercise your pet?
- Will your pet spend most of her time alone?
These are a lot of questions, but it’s important to honestly reflect on your answer to each one of them. Even if you decide that now isn’t the best time to adopt a pet, that doesn’t mean you can’t revisit the issue later when your children are a little older or life is more settled.
Establish a Veterinary Relationship Right Away
If you decide you’re ready for the responsibilities of pet ownership, one of the first things to do is schedule a check-up for your new dog or cat at Minnesota Veterinary Hospital. We will get your pet started on a vaccine schedule and complete a full head-to-tail exam. Congratulations on your new family member and we hope to see you soon.