According to the reports of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6.3 million animal companions enter shelters nationwide yearly. Sadly, many die in these establishments because of congestion and lack of resources.
If you’re considering adopting a pet, the procedure can be overwhelming. But if you plan in advance and ensure all of your bases are covered prior to bringing a cat or dog into your home, the transition will be much smoother for you and your new furry friend.
What do you need to know before adopting a pet?
If you are a first-time pet parent, here are a handful of essential facts you need to know about owning a pet:
Owning a Pet Is Not Cheap
Caring for a pet involves a lot more than just getting food. Vet care for young puppies & kittens can be costly, particularly during their first year of life. You will also need to invest in toys, bedding, litter boxes, and other supplies. If you want more info on how to properly care for younger pets, you can ask your vet for advice.
Pets Need to Complete Their Vaccinations
Dog and cat vaccinations are essential for keeping your pet healthy. Depending on the kind of pet, it’s recommended that they get vaccinated every 1-3 years. Your veterinarian can provide you with a dog annual vaccination schedule and assist you in making a decision on which vaccines are needed for your pet.
For instance, cats should get the FVRCP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks old, then again at one year. Dogs will require their core vaccinations administered every three years but may require a booster dose in between. This implies that you must see the vet regularly and stay up to date with their vaccinations. This also requires you to shell out more money on vet care.
Pets Need Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Pets need to exercise regularly to stay healthy and balanced, just like humans. This suggests you should be willing to give your pet lots of daily physical activity and mental stimulation. For instance, dogs should go for walks or runs at least once a day, while cats should have easy access to a scratching post and plenty of toys to keep them active. If you have a senior pet, you should also consider getting a geriatric pet routine exam once a year to make sure it stays physically healthy.
Pets Require Consistent Grooming
It’s essential to groom your pet consistently, depending on their breed and fur type. Dogs need frequent brushing and bathing, while cats may need less regular grooming but require occasional cleaning. You also have to trim their nails and groom any facial hair they may have. If your pet has long hair or is particularly furry, you might have to take them for professional grooming every few months.
Pets Need Exercise and Mental Stimulation
All pets need exercise and mental stimulation to remain physically and emotionally well-balanced. This implies daily playtime (indoors or outdoors), trips to the dog park, plenty of interactive playthings, and other activities that keep them interacted and entertained.
Pets Require Time and Effort
And lastly, owning a pet requires time, initiative, and commitment from you. You must be willing to spare a tremendous amount of time to care for your animal friend and create a bond with them. This involves feeding them promptly, providing fresh water daily, scheduling routine vet visits, cleaning up after them when needed, and much more.
You Need to Be Prepared for Emergencies
No one wants to think about their pet getting ill or hurt, but unfortunately, it happens. It is crucial to research local emergency clinics and plan for an unexpected medical condition. You must also consider acquiring pet insurance so that you are covered if your pet becomes ill or harmed.
Adopting a Pet Is Rewarding
Although adopting a pet requires time and money, the rewards are priceless. Owning a pet can give friendship, love, and happiness superior to anything else. With the proper preparation, knowledge, and dedication from you, your new four-legged family member will definitely fit into your home.
The Bottom Line
Adopting a pet is an incredible experience, but you must understand that it requires time and money. You must be prepared for the financial and emotional responsibility of looking after a pet. But with proper planning and preparation, you can offer them a loving home and have an extraordinary life with each other. When considering adopting, the primary factor to consider to keep in mind is to be ready for the obligation.
