Before you get a pet…
When you think about buying a pet, you should understand just how big the commitment you are making is. In effect, you are bringing in a brand new life into your family. It doesn’t matter whether you are buying a Labrador or a goldfish, they all require some form or care and attention. That’s why we think potential pet owners should be asking these questions before they buy.
Do You Have The Time?
Depending on the pet you get, some require more attention than others. For instance, a new puppy will require constant attention until he is about six months old. So, if you are working all day, it might not be a wise move to get him just yet. Even after six months, dogs are very sociable animals and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. On the other hand, cats are more than happy to make their own way in the world. They will come and go as they please and typically only expect attention when you offer it. These are of course generalisations. Some cats love attention, and some dogs hate it.
Do You Have The Money?
Remember, a pet can be incredibly expensive. Let’s look at a dog as an example here and think about just how much you could spend on vet bills. You should be looking to get insurance to pay for these, and that’s going to cost you around sixty pounds per month. You should add another twenty on top of that a month for food. Ultimately you could be spending as much as a hundred pound per month on your pet. He’s an expensive little investment, and you’ll have to decide whether or not the cost is worth it.
Are You In For The Long Haul?
I know, there are a lot of owners who end up giving their pet up at some point when their life changes. But, this isn’t fair on the animal. If you buy a pet, you need to make sure you never intend to give them up. It is not acceptable to say that because you are starting a family, you can no longer have a dog in the house. Animals are just as caring and compassionate as humans, some more so. They will miss and pine over an owner who lets them go. It will take time for them to recover emotionally.
Are You Prepared For The Loss?
For many people, the main reason for not getting a pet is because they know eventually they will lose them. An animal’s lifetime is not the same as our own. On average a dog will only live for around ten or fifteen years. If you don’t want to deal with this loss, you might be better instead getting a tortoise. You find more information about them on Horsefieldtortoise.co.uk. The can live for up to eighty years. They may very well outlive you!
Are You Ready For Something To Be Dependent On You?
Finally, you have to be willing to be responsible for a little life. An animal will look to you for food, water, care and attention. You must be sure you can provide them with all these needs before you take one home.
Charlie