Having a pet can bring much joy into your life. To avoid unexpected costs and be prepared for all situations that a pet can bring to your life, it’s best to know what to expect before the pet becomes a part of your family. Here are five things to know before getting any pet.
5 Things to Know Before Getting Any Pet
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Cost of Food
Your pet needs to eat regularly, just like you, so consider the cost of food for your pet. For example, feeding a large dog versus a small cat can greatly impact your monthly budget, especially if your dog needs to be on a special diet.
Pet Waste
Something else to consider is the time and money it will take to clean up after your pet. If you and your family want to get a dog, you will need an outdoor space so they can relieve themselves. If this isn’t the case, think about whether you have the time to take a dog out to a place to relieve itself and pick up its droppings.
If you are planning on bringing home a cat, you will need to purchase a cat box and litter. You will also want to factor in the cost of replacing the cat litter regularly.
Veterinary Visits
Thinking about veterinary visits for your future pet is huge since this can be costly, depending on the breed and health of your pet. Veterinary visits, food, and other initial pet necessities can cost up to $1000 or more in the first year, says moneyunder30.com. Make sure you have some money set aside to cover these costs.
Pet Dander
Pet dander is something else you need to be aware of. Are you or your children allergic to pet dander? If you or anyone in your family is allergic to pet dander, you may want to avoid getting a cat or dog and stick with small animals such as rodents, fish, or turtles. There are also ways to alleviate allergic symptoms to pet dander if your family really wants to keep a cat or dog in the house.
The experts at BerkeleyHeating.com say air purifiers are a great investment for those who want pets but also suffer from pet allergies. Not only will air purifiers get rid of pet dander from the air, but they will also keep out other forms of indoor pollutants. HVAC systems can also help alleviate symptoms of pet dander. Make sure to contact your local professionals for more information on installation and service.
Different Needs for a Variety of Breeds
If you and your family plan to purchase a purebred animal, this may come with extra costs. Some breeds need to be placed on special diets. Some purebreds have common ailments or other health issues, which can mean more visits to the veterinarian.
Choosing to add a pet to your family can be an exciting time. Do plenty of research to know what to expect so that there are no surprises after your pet comes home for you and your family to enjoy.