Going To Adopt A Pet? These Questions You Must Ask First

Adopting a pet is a major responsibility, and adding a new member not only adds to your contentment but also comes with a lot of commitment.

Even if you have been a pet parent before, there are a ton of new things you learn each day about taking care of them. Taking them to a vet, their medicines, pet accessories, anti-tick shampoos for your pet, and many more things need to be taken care of, always. 

Even though we have the convenience to buy pet products online these days, one needs to consider a host of things before adopting a new little member.

Let’s checkout the list of things you must consider and need to ask yourself before you make a final call.

1. ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT ADOPTING A PET?

Being a pet parent is surely equal to being an actual parent. Think wisely on all parameters before you get a pet. Make a decision when you are 100% sure to share your space and ready to take care of all of your pets by yourself.

Don’t be in a rush! 

Once you have decided on finally getting a pet home, consider a few more things mentioned below.

2. WHAT KIND OF PET SUITS YOU?

Take into consideration your lifestyle and your personality. Not everyone is a cat/dog person. You might be attracted more to a fish or a bird than a dog which is pretty usual.

Research and think about what pet is best for you. You can even try talking to an adoption counselor for the same – yes that’s a real thing! 

3. ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE TIME TO YOUR PET?

Pets need your time and your care. They strive for companionship and lots of playtime with you. If your work/lifestyle makes you travel often and you are unsure you would be able to give time to your pet, well, this may not be a good decision for you!

Make sure you have time to spare for your pet’s health and overall well-being before adopting one. Remember, you become their family too and they look up to you.

4. ARE YOU AWARE ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF THEM?

Pets need a lot of care and attention. You cannot just get them and be all cool about it. Taking them to walk, training your pet, bathing, and removing ticks and fleas from their body – that’s just the beginning!

Looking up pet accessories near me on the web and getting toys for them to play around with, taking primary care of their vaccination schedules, always looking out for any minor signs of any diseases or skin infections and taking care of oral health, all of it needs to be taken care of. So start making the list already!

5. CAN YOU AFFORD YOUR PET’S SAFETY AND HEALTH?

Owning a pet costs much more than just the routine expenses. Food, veterinary care, license fee, treats, toys, training, grooming, and other necessities can add up. Before you adopt, make sure you are financially committed to the long-term health and well-being of your pet. 

6. IS YOUR HOME SUITABLE FOR YOUR NEW PET?

Will your home be enough for your pet? For instance bigger breeds of dogs need bigger spaces and often a cool atmosphere to reside in. If they don’t get sufficient workout or running space, it might hamper their growth or cause leg disorders due to lack of exercise. 

Also, if you live in a rented space, your landlord should be okay with you having a pet. Make note of these often neglected but essential elements beforehand.

7. GETTING READY FOR NEW PET

Before welcoming a new member, get yourself and your home ready for them. Get pet products online, bring home some Anti Tick Dog Shampoos, anti-fungal spray for dogs and cats, flea and tick remover, and some basic pet medicines your pet might need at the time of emergency.

8. WHO WILL BE TAKING CARE OF THE PET WHILE YOU ARE AWAY?

You cannot take your pet everywhere you go. There may be an emergency or a vacation you plan on, you will definitely need someone to look after your pet while you are away.

The bigger challenge however is, your pet should be fond of that person too. 

9. ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO PETS?

So, you have made your decision and booked an appointment with the adoption company and finally tomorrow you are bringing a pet home.

But wait!!!

You are allergic to his Tick-Shampoo…

Get your allergy test done before you go and get a pet home. You never know what allergy you might have from a pet.

10. WHAT YOUR LIFE WILL BE AFTER YOU GET A PET?

Pets cannot be adopted and left on the streets when you get bored of them. They get attached to you a lot more than you are to them.

Ponder beforehand if you are ready for a long-term commitment with your pet. You cannot get them only because you are lonely at that moment.

Think what your life will be 5-7 years from now when you will have a full-time responsibility and a living creature with you all day long.

If you are unsure, then you might cancel your adoption visit.

There’s a lot of ease in this  day and age. One can buy veterinary medicines online, can take help of animal-welfare organisations and much more.

But if you are even slightly unsure about the answers to the above questions, then you should consider yourself not ready to adopt right away. 

Instead, you can express your compassion and love for animals by volunteering or donating to your favorite rescue charities. Take time to understand these little beings. And once you know how to take care of another life, go for it!