After persistent begging and pleading from your kids, you may find yourself considering getting a family pet. You might think that getting a pet is the perfect way to complete your family unit, but taking on the responsibility of an animal is not a decision you should take lightly. Instead, you should give it the time and thought it deserves. The first thing you need to think about is whether your home is suitable in the first place. If your home is small, noisy or always messy, a pet might not be the best idea. Keeping a cat in a small space, for example, is cruel because in the wild they’re used to a large territory. Keeping a ferret in a loud home can also be cruel as they prefer peace and quiet – excessive noise can lead to these ferret depression symptoms and worse. Similarly, keeping a dog in a messy house can be dangerous as they often love to chew on items like slippers and cushions, so you can’t leave anything you love lying around, especially if it could be a choking hazard.
We have put together this guide of 4 other things that you should think about before going ahead and adding a pet to your family. This will help you to ensure that you are making the right decision for you, your family, and for your potential pet!
Choose Your Pet Wisely
First of all, you need to think about what sort of pet would suit you and your family’s lifestyle and routine. Kids are often keen to get a cat or dog, and they are also the most popular choice. You can take a look at offers like goldendoodle puppy for sale or one at an animal shelter near your location to explore the options available. However, pets may require special care and supervision and therefore, you should do some research into the different pet options available to you before choosing one. There are other non-conventional options as well, like a bird, rabbit, guinea pig, ferret, fish, hamster, etc.
Guinea pigs can make for good first pets because they are social animals and only have short lifespans, meaning that you do not have to sign up to long-term commitment. But don’t forget that you will be the primary care giver, so try not to let the kids talk you into getting a snake if you are not willing to even touch it once it arrives.
Getting Pet Insurance
No matter what kind of pet you want to welcome into your family life and home, you should look into getting pet insurance. Animals can be expensive and having an insurance policy in place can help you when you need it most. However, when looking for a policy that is right for you, you should compare pet insurance using the online comparison site Quotezone.co.uk. You can search the providers at quotezone.co.uk which makes finding the right policy for the right price so much easier.
Consider the Extra Responsibility
Having a family is difficult enough at times, so you should consider whether you have the time to take on the extra responsibility of a pet. Although there’s no doubt that there’s lots of help available, both online on websites such as Central Park Paws or offline at your trusted vet’s or support from a friend, when it comes down to it, the pet is still largely your responsibility. Many pet owners rush into the decision, and then when it comes down to it, they are unable to give the time and care that a pet requires and deserves, there are more such responsibilities to keep up with. So, you should think about whether you are prepared to walk a dog twice a day or will be able to make the necessary care arrangements for your hamster next time you want to go away on a two-week holiday.
Think About the Extra Cost
A family does not come cheap, from having rent and mortgage payments to cover, to the ever-growing food bill at the supermarket. So, you should take the time to consider the extra cost that having a pet brings and factor it into your budgeting. The cost of food, care, vet’s bills, and accessories can soon start to add up!
By considering these important concerns before getting a pet, you can be sure that you and your family are ready and prepared for the responsibility.