Pets are the most innocent, gorgeous, and downright fantastic addition to any home, whether you live in a small apartment and are content in bonding with your new hamster or you live on a farm and are the proud owner of horses.
So, if you and the rest of your family are looking to introduce a new member to the team, then continue reading to learn how to choose the right pet for you and your family.
Table of Contents
1. Adopt Don’t Shop!
The most important thing to know when you are serious about and dedicated to introducing a new pet is that there are, tragically, hundreds of thousands of abandoned dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, parrots, and even chickens across the country in need of a deserving and loving home.
What is more, when you adopt a deserving pet from a reputable animal shelter, they usually provide any vaccinations and sort out any medical procedures the animal needs before you can take them home. Moreover, established vets will be more than happy to provide expert advice on how to look after your new adopted pet in the first few weeks and beyond.
2. Consider Your Lifestyle Carefully
The type of pet you choose is wholly dependent on your lifestyle and the situation of all members of the household.
Essentially, the more time you spend at home each and every day, the more likely your life suits a dog or bunnies. Instead, if you are only home in the evenings, a guinea pig, budgie, or hamster would perhaps be more appropriate. It would also be worth noting that, naturally dependent on the breed, if your animals are living in pairs, they are able to be left alone for a few more hours each day (but only a few).
3. Think About Your Budget
Invariably, the upfront costs of purchasing an animal, bird, or reptile through the correct channels are absolutely nothing compared to the potential costs later down the line, especially if you fail to take out adequate pet insurance.
It is, unfortunately, simply incorrect to state that the smaller the animal, the less expensive it will be in terms of veterinary care, even with respected and renowned vets such as the Magnolia animal clinic.
4. Do Your Research!
Every specific and individual animal, let alone every different breed, hasits own specific set of requirements when it comes to proper care, and different personalities sometimes mean adaptions to the standard rule regardless.
Once you have decided on the right species and breed of animal for you before you even visit the animal shelter, you should borrow or buy some books about that specific animal, bird, or reptile and engage in some specific research online. The idea here is that you have absolutely everything in place in your home, the right foods and cleaned and sterilized water bottles, as well as a safe pet bed before you bring your new pet home.