Are you thinking of expanding your family with the addition of a pet? Animals like cats and dogs are such great companions, but to choose the right one for your family, there are several factors that you should consider. You need to choose one that fits with your family dynamics and lifestyle, to ensure you have the time and finances to give them the love and care they deserve.
Today, you can find a variety of different breeds of almost every pet. Narrowing down so many options can seem challenging. This article will give you 6 important factors for choosing a suitable pet for your family.
1. The Time You Have
Bringing a new pet is a new responsibility. When you become a pet owner, you also shoulder the commitment to play with them, care for their physical needs, and ensure that they are well-fed and loved. All this cannot happen if you do not have adequate time at hand. Pets need regular exercise, grooming, and attention.
So, before choosing one, take some time to assess your daily schedule. Find how much time you can realistically dedicate to your pet. Will you be able to take them out for daily walks? How long will you be away from the pet? Do you travel regularly or work long hours?
If you feel that you can give your pet the care they deserve by setting aside enough time for them, go ahead and welcome one into your family!
2. Temperament of the Animal
Some animals require more of your time, while others need less. For example, different breeds of dogs have different kinds of temperament. Some are calm and confident, while others are happy-go-lucky kind of ones.
Similarly, different breeds of cats have different temperaments too. Some, like Maine coon are very social, while others, like Ragdoll are gentle and calm. A popular cat breed among feline enthusiasts is Snow Bengal. These cats are friendly, playful, and enjoy long walks. They can also be trained well to suit the dynamics of your home.
Considering the temperament of the animal and finding out whether it aligns with your lifestyle is essential to cohabiting peacefully with them.
3. Financial Considerations
Pets are not a small responsibility. But the joy that their companionship brings is truly worth it. When choosing one for your family, you need to factor in the financial costs associated with them. Pets have various expenses, such as their adoption fee, veterinary care, food, and training, among others.
Insurance can help you cover unexpected costs for your pet, too. But you need to consider how owning one will affect it. Some animal breeds are excluded from insurance coverage. So, review your liability coverage to make the right decision.
If you really want to accommodate a pet into your budget, use these tips to lower your expenses:
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Cancel unused gym memberships of yourself or another family member.
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Cancel subscriptions for services that you don’t use regularly.
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Assess where you usually spend your money throughout the month and find things you can live without.
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Create a monthly budget.
4. Your Family’s Health
A common reason why most people do not get a pet is because someone in their family has allergies or asthma. If you plan to adopt a pet but are unsure if a family member has an allergy, get everyone tested. It will prevent them from experiencing an allergic reaction. If your child has an allergy, ask your pediatrician to test your child for allergies. Often, children are allergic to dander or fur.
Don’t worry; even if you or someone in your family is allergic, you can still get a pet. However, it is important to research your options carefully. Animals like goldfish, hamsters, and chinchillas, among others, are allergy-friendly. Besides, you can also take some precautionary measures to lower the suffering from pet allergies. These include cleaning carpeting frequently and keeping your pet away from the furniture.
5. Size of the Animal
You should choose a pet of the correct size for your home. Bigger pets like dogs need much more space than others like hamsters or cats. Considering the size is essential to find if the animal can properly fit into your home. If you want to adopt larger animals like dogs, but your home does not have adequate space, look into their medium to smaller breeds. These are suitable for families living in apartments. It is also essential to have access to a ground as breeds with a high energy level need a lot of playtime.
6. Lifespan
Another crucial factor to consider is the lifespan of the pet. Some animals can live for many decades and may continue to live even after you are gone! So, if you want to keep yourself in great company for several years to come, choose an animal with a higher life expectancy.
Here is the average lifespan of common pets.
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Dog: 10 to 13 years
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Cat: 13 to 17 years
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Rabbit: 8 to 12 years
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Ferret 7 to 10 years
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Small pocket pets like guinea pigs, rats, and hamsters: 1 to 6 years.
Few things in life compare to the joy of returning home to your loyal companion. Pets show unconditional love, improve our mood on a rainy day, and are the perfect antidote for loneliness. However, before choosing one, it's essential to have a discussion with all family members about the responsibilities and expectations that come with owning a pet. Considering the factors described above will help you make the right decision about adding this wonderful new member to your family.
