Whether you are adopting and bringing a new pet into your home, giving or receiving a pet, there are lifestyle pointers you should consider. Answer these questions and see if you are ready to welcome a furry friend into your home.
Q: Should you bring a pet into a house with small children?
Toddlers can’t share or understand the responsibility of caring for a pet. You may want to wait until the child is willing and able to be on pet duty before you bring an animal into your home.
Q: Do you have time to establish a meaningful bond with your pet?
Pets need lots of love and attention. Dogs require hours of exercise and companionship everyday and cats thrive off interactive play sessions. If an owner’s job or lifestyle constantly keeps them away from home, a pet can develop behavioral problems and you should rethink adoption and pet gifting.
Q: Do you have the right environment for your new pet to live a happy and healthy lifestyle?
Choose an animal that will thrive in its home environment. Example: a large dog in a small apt. is not an ideal match. Giving a new pet space to adapt and move around comfortably is imperative for a healthy and happy life.
Q: Can you make a long-term emotional, medical and financial commitment?
Consider the lifespan of an animal, 8-15+ years for dogs, 15-20+ years for cats. Will the person being gifted be able to commit to emotional and medical care for a pet over its lifetime? Pets don’t grow up and go away to college. The financial responsibility attached includes vaccinations, food, check-ups, and unforeseen health problems that may shown up over their lifetime.
Q: Will everyone be able to live in an “Animal House”?
Allergies are treatable, but it’s important to bring a pet into a home where everyone can take part in making them feel welcome. People with severe allergies research breeds and talk to a medical professional before adopting.
Welcoming a New Pet The Right Way!
- Have a comfortable spot set up for your pet. Give your pet time to adjust to its new environment. they may be nervous and have an accident. Be patient, a quiet home and relaxed environment will make your new pet feel at ease.
- Involve your pet in as much as your life as you can when it is practical. Lots of playtime and interaction with your pet will create a strong bond and lead to a happier life together.
- Every living thing needs food to survive. Make sure your pet has a healthy and balanced diet. Just because they can’t talk doesn’t mean they don’t need good food too. Human food should stay on your plate and not end up in their dish.
- Take care of yourself. You are the most important person in your pet’s life. If they can’t rely on you to love and take care of them no one else will.
If you still think you are ready to bring an animal into your home, please adopt. Each year 5 million animals are euthanized in shelters across the country.
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