Getting a new pet for your family can be an exciting time. Whether you choose a cat, dog, fish or bunny, bringing a new fur family member home is a lot of fun. However, it can be hard to know when your family is ready for a pet. There are many factors to consider including the age of your children, the amount of time you have in your schedule and whether or not you can take on the financial responsibility.
Bringing a pet into your home can mean a lot of new changes and added responsibilities. It isn’t a decision to make lightly or spontaneously. Include all of the members of the family in the discussion and decision-making process. Parents and children should be clear on the changes that will happen once your pet comes home.
Choose a pet on the basis of what you can comfortably handle as a family. You don’t want to get in over your head with a bigger responsibility that you can take on. There are lots of things to think about before getting a pet, including getting the right supplies and pet-proofing your home. You can read more at LAHomes.com about how to create a pet-safe environment. Consider these factors when trying to determine if your family is ready for a new furry member.
Time
Not all pets require the same amount of upkeep, but whether you have a gerbil or a puppy, there will still be extra demands on your time. A puppy will need to be walked several times a day, fed, and played with. According to Real Simple, even a small and low maintenance pet like a turtle needs to spend time with their family and not just be left to their own devices all the time. If your family schedule is packed full of activities, it might not be the right time to devote time to a new pet.
Affordability
Pets may not eat a lot compared to human family members, but there is always some cost that will come with a new pet. The adoption or purchase fees are just the beginning. You may have to purchase a special bed, cage, kennel, and toys. Then you have the bills from the vet for necessary shots, spay/neutering fees or having a tattoo or chip put on. Once you get past the set-up costs for bringing a new pet home, you will have lower regularly occurring expenses.
No Allergies
If you aren’t sure if anyone in your family has allergies, this is a good time to spend time with some various animals. If you are thinking about adopting a cat, take a trip to your local shelter to play with some kitties and make sure that no one has an allergic reaction to the cats (WebMD). It’s best to try and find out about any issues before you bring a new animal home.
Family Team
If everyone is not entirely on board or in agreement about a new pet, you may want to hold off for a bit. It is tough to bring anything new into a family and if you feel like you aren’t quite ready then it’s better to be cautious. A pet becomes part of the whole family and if there is anything that isn’t quite fitting yet, there is always time to think about it again when everyone is in agreement.
Just for fun, check out the best pet based on your zodiac sign.