by One day, you might pass by a cute little cat with white paws and a fluffy pelt, trying to get your attention. Or maybe, you see an endearing dog that eventually follows you wherever you go. At first, you might think of ignoring them, but then you see yourself walking with them and feeding them with anything you have in your pouch.
Whether you like it or not, this can happen to anyone. Falling in love with cute animals happens unexpectedly, and all of a sudden, they become the source of everyone’s joys. In return, these creatures offer their loyalty and companionship.
However, having them as pets is never an easy decision. Although pet ownership can be a rewarding experience, animals require lots of money, time, and commitment, which in most cases, lasts for years. If you are thinking of pushing through your decision of adopting the perfect pet companion, here are some things to consider:
Time
Compared to a mature dog, adopting a puppy entails more patience, especially for the first two years. If you fail to spend time with them, they’ll do things you wouldn’t really like, such as being aggressive and losing your pair of shoes. So, it is best if you spend a couple of hours of your day in training and exercising your puppy. In the long run, your efforts will pay off. But this doesn’t mean that getting a mature dog can be a shortcut to a great companion. You still have to ensure your dog is compatible with your lifestyle.
Discipline
If you are raising a dog, you’ll have to set boundaries. You need to practice a sense of power so that they will know you are their master. Even if you are inconsistent, boundaries are essential to keep your pets comfortable with you being the authority.
Death
Unfortunately, death is inevitable. Sooner or later, pets will die and you’ll probably be there to witness the sad final moments. As much as possible, be prepared to deal with this abominable reality and learn to appreciate your pets while they are still there.
Grooming
Pets have to be groomed once in a while to keep them healthy and clean. They have to be bathed, nails must be clipped, and the fur should be brushed. But being unable to do all of these daunting tasks means you are no longer capable of adopting pets. You can always opt for professional grooming services.
Fur
When you have pets at home, expect fur to be everywhere. It can be on your clothes, in the mouth of your babies, and worst, in your food. So, you have to be mindful and considerate of the people living with you. Make sure they aren’t allergic to fur.
Healthcare
Depending on the breed of your pet, the veterinary bills will also vary. Nonetheless, there are healthcare insurance options available out there. But first, you have to review all the inclusions. Some of them don’t cover the normal vet visits.
Socialization
If you are living somewhere that doesn’t have open areas where your pets can be unleashed and play with other pets, you’ll possibly need to enroll them in a dog day care. This way, they can avoid forming aggressive behaviors towards other pets, which may be very hazardous. Animals, especially dogs, have an inherent behavior of being social. So, keeping them away can be very detrimental.
Spying
Unless you are a serious animal breeder, you’ll definitely need to spay or neuter your pets. By doing this, you will not just avoid having more puppies; you will also keep them from developing bizarre and aggressive behaviors.
Sure, it’s a long list of things to be considered. So, it is best to think before you adopt. Remember, you will be sharing your life with not just an animal, but with an incredible companion.
Image Resources: [1] [2] [3] [4]
Courtesy: Houston Petting Zoo
