27 May The Most Important Things You Need to Know Before Adopting a Pet – Guest Article by Jessica Brody

Pets make amazing companions. They are great aids to people with mental health disorders, physical disabilities, and recovering from addiction. According to NBC News, pets can help people who have anxiety and depression, especially people who used to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. Here’s a checklist of questions and tips to make sure you know what to do before bringing a little critter into your house.

Step 1: Determine the Right Breed for You

Ask yourself these questions and see what pet will fit best with your current living situation and personality.

What kind of home do you live in?
If you live in a flat, make sure pets are allowed. Some flats charge extra for the monthly rate for pets. If you want a pet like a dog, make sure it gets plenty of outdoor activity and doesn’t stay indoors all day. If you live in a house, do you have a garden your pet can run around in? How big is the garden?

What activities are you looking to do with your pet?
If you enjoy being active, dogs are an excellent pet. Besides walks, you can take your dog to a dog park and have it socialize with other dogs. You can take a dog running, hiking, camping, and a variety of other things. If you prefer a lower-maintenance pet, there are many different options for all kinds of personalities.

What is your budget for a pet?
According to This is Money, the lifetime cost of owning a dog is around £17k. With that in mind, make sure it’s in your budget to own a pet, as it is unnecessary to give away a pet after adopting so soon.

Do you have children?
What kind of pet would mesh best with their personality?

Do you have allergies?
Does anyone in your family have allergies Look into resources that will help you test for allergies before committing to a pet, or there are breeds that are better for allergy sufferers. 

Step 2: Prepare Your Home for Your Pet

For pets such as cats or dogs, make sure you have the appropriate gear in your home, such as beds. For a cat, establish a litter box in a quiet area. If you have a cat, you can put its bed next to a window so it can look out. Set out a food and water bowl.

Are there rooms your pet is not allowed? Make sure those doors are closed. Is your pet going to be an indoor or outdoor pet or both? Consider installing a pet door to the garden so your pet can roam freely in and out. Try to make your house as inviting for your pet as you would for guests.

Step 3: Help Your Pet Acclimate to Its New Home

As you bring your new companion into your home, watch it to see how it reacts. If your pet came from the shelter, it might need some space and slow adjustment to the house and home. Let it explore the house on its own.  If you have children, make sure they are gentle with the new pet. Bonding with new owners takes time with some animals.

Step 4: Bond with Your Pet

This is the best part. Getting to know your pet and learning about its personality can be a lot of fun. Don’t worry about spending too much on toys, but consider just a few starter toys to see what your pet likes. If you have a dog or cat, make sure they are house-trained. Be sure to get your dog obedience training. You can find resources in your local area to help you understand how to train and work with your dog.

Pets are rewarding, but they take time and money. They can be part of life’s greatest joys, and if you are willing to put in the effort to make your pet happy, in turn, you will be happy.

Thanks to Jessica Brody for her article! Check out her links: Ourbestfriends.pet and mybestfriend@ourbestfriends.pet