Perhaps your kids have been asking for a pet for a while, or perhaps your commitments have changed, meaning you now how more time for a pet, such as a dog or a cat. Whatever your situation or circumstances, there are lots of points you need to consider and think about before getting a new pet.
A new pet, no matter how small or big, can literally turn your world upside down, so, it is important that you are aware of what you are letting yourself in for. With pets there are both good times and bad times to be had, but don’t let this put you off, as it is all part of the experience. Here are some of the main considerations.
Work and Play
If you have time available and think this is the right time to get a new pet, you need to ask yourself if you will always have this much time. If all of your free time or spare time is only temporary—for example, if you are currently working part-time hours, but will go back up to full-time hours in the summer—then you need to think about how you will care for your pet when you have less time.
All pets require lots of time and effort, and they also require playtime. If you work long hours and you are not at home most of the time then you may find that your new pet will get bored and have playtime in your home—regardless of whether you are there or not. Bored pets can create a trail of destruction very quickly, so you need to ensure that when you get a new pet you can occupy them for most of the day.
Veterinary Care and Vet Bills
Pets can be expensive to keep, especially if an emergency situation arises and your pet ends up needing emergency surgery and care. There are affordable vets such as easyvet.com who may be available in your area, but if they are not you have to think about how much vet bills could end up costing you over the average year. From vaccinations to booster jabs, costs can quickly mount up if you are not near to an affordable veterinary clinic, so work out if you can afford the vet bills and vet care for the lifespan of your new pet, this could be around 15 years or more if you are looking at getting a cat or a dog.
Life Changes
Life can change in the blink of an eye. You could lose your job, your relationship could break down, you could be evicted from your property, or you could have to change jobs and working hours. Major changes for you can also mean major changes for your pet, so, you have to ensure that you can provide top-quality and consistent care for your pet both now and in the future no matter what life has in store for you. Planning and preparing for the worst-case scenario now and in advance will ensure that your pet is always looked after.
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