Cats, dogs, and other animals can make wonderful companions. They can also be adorable, but unfortunately, that sometimes leads to people impulsively taking one home when they shouldn’t. This is a decision you should put plenty of thought into. Taking the time to understand their needs, as well as your own preferences, helps ensure you’ll make the best choice for both of you. The good news is that there is probably an animal for most situations and personality types. Below are some of the main things you should consider.
Schedule
Are you home most of the time, or are you out of the house 12 to 14 hours on most days? Do you have time to train a puppy or play with a lonely, lively kitten? Being very busy doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be a pet owner, but it could mean that there are certain types that you shouldn’t have. Unless you can arrange for day care or a pet sitter, most dogs will be unhappy if they’re left alone for long periods of time. Fish, reptiles, or a small rodent such as a hamster might be a better choice.
Many often assume that cats are independent and can easily left on their own, but this isn’t necessarily true for all of them. Kittens need a fair amount of supervision. An older bonded pair of cats might be fine without you around much, but it’s important to consider the animal’s temperament and what they are accustomed to. Some felines may want as much human interaction as the average dog.
Financial Situation
When a pet is available free or for a nominal price, it’s easy to assume that other than the cost of food and other basic care items, such as bedding or litter, you won’t have to spend much. However, it’s important to make sure that you have enough for annual vet checkups and any regular medication that they need. Remember as well that as they age, they may develop conditions that require more supervision or higher medical costs.
In addition, animals can get injured or become suddenly ill with serious conditions that can be very expensive to treat. To avoid having to set aside a large sum of money in case of emergencies, you might want to consider whether you’d be eligible for a veterinarian payment plan. This can help ensure that your pet gets the care that they deserve and need. With this type of plan, you can cover costs and pay them off across a period as long as 60 months. There are an increasing number options offered to clients to take advantage of this type of financing.
Living Situation
If you live in a small city apartment, a large, energetic dog is probably not the right choice. What about a cat? They don’t necessarily need huge amounts of space but might be unhappy in a single room. There’s more besides space to consider about your living situation. Who else lives in your home? Some dogs should or should not share your home with small children, and some cats would be unhappy in such an environment. You can’t always predict what a pet will prefer based on what type of animal it is.
Contrary to the stereotype that they are loners, some cats will love large, lively households and will want there to be other pets around. In contrast to the idea that all dogs are gregarious, some will want quiet environments with only one or two other people and no other pets. If you’re getting a pet from a rescue, they usually have a good sense of its personality, needs, and preferences. Consider safety issues as well. If you have roommates who are likely to be careless about letting indoor only animals out, you may be better off with a pet that spends most of its time in an enclosure, such as a bird, a reptile, or a guinea pig.
Temperament
The personality of your pet is something to take into account, but so is your own. Do you want an animal that likes a lot of attention or affection? How do you feel about a cat or dog who wants to sleep in your bed at night? Would you prefer an animal that needs relatively little interaction? Will you be annoyed with a dog that barks a lot or a cat that paws at closed doors?
Some dogs require that you spend a lot of time training. Many types of dogs can also be happier with owners who are fairly active. Some kind of animals require very precise care. For example, reptiles may need humidity controls and a special diet. Make sure that you’re prepared for these types of demands if you’re thinking of getting a snake or a lizard. Choosing an animal that’s right for your temperament is important for the happiness of both of you.
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