12 Things you should consider before adopting a pet animal.
Posted 6 years ago in ANIMALS.Sharing your life with an animal companion is a marvellous experience, but what it definitely isn't is, is a cake walk. Thinking clearly and carefully is very essential before you adopt a pet animal. Here are 12 things you should consider before taking such a step.
- Can you commit?: Do you have the time, energy or the resources to look after a pet. It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this seemingly simple question before they get a pet. They go on to adopt one just because they "felt like it" or because the kids wanted it. This usually ends up being a big mistake.
- Consider your options: It need not always be a puppy or a kitten. It can be something less demanding like a parrot or even a rabbit. One can even adopt adult dogs and cats from shelters.
- Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?: Small breeds of dogs, cats and birds can be accomodated in apartments, but not the larger dogs. They need more space to be comfortable. Animal size is not the sole thing to think about here. For example, some small dog breeds such as terriers are quite active and require a great deal of exercise to remain calm. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and often content to lie on a couch all day. Doing some research beforehand is the best way to ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
- How does you family feel about pet animals?: Make sure everyone at home is okay with the new adoption. Bringing home pets as a surprise isn't the best thing to do. It's like a new addition to the family. So everyone has to have a say in it.
- Will you be ready to spend?: Pets require their own speciall food and are not supposed to eat what we eat. This would require extra expenditure. Vaccination and toys are other essentials that you would have to spend on.
- Is your home pet friendly?: Do you have the right environment for the safety of your pet? It is highly important to go through your home, before you bring a new pet home, to search out hazards and get them out of the way or out of the house. This includes cabinets at pet level, not leaving bottles of chemical, small toys and electric cords on the floor.
- Training and grooming needs: Pets need to be trained, especially dogs, so you need to be clear on whether you are willing to invest your own time or take help of a trainer. Grooming is also very necessary. Good shampoos and other products can help to keep their coat shiny and odour-free
- Right accessories, toys and treats: A lot of pet parents do not realise the importance of these, but they all are essential while raising a pet. For example - Toys help pets to put their energy to some use and not become restless and overexcited.
- Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation?: You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or would have to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
- Are you prepared to deal with problems that a pet can cause?: It's not a bed of roses. Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, hair all around the house, and unexpected medical emergencies are all part and parcel of raising a pet. Patience and tolerance are really important.
- Consider spaying/neutering: Talk to a vet to be clear about spaying/neutering. Some people choose not to, based on the feeling that the animal will lose its sense of identity or that the animal will be missing out on the process of giving birth, or that the animal will lose its ability to be protective. None of these reasons are true.
- Educate yourself: This is the last but the most important step as it will help you throughout the different life stages of your pet. Constantly be ready to read articles and research on pets.
akansh2311
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