Pets make great companions. Whether you're a dog person, cat person, or reptile enthusiast, having another living thing in your house can make it seem less lonely and more lively. Before picking up your new furry or scaly best friend, though, it's important to think about the needs of the animal and the environment you're bringing them into. Is your house big enough for your desired dog breed? Do you have the space to put all of a cat's supplies? Can you devote enough time to playing with your new pet? Every pet comes with its own set of responsibilities, so be sure to think about if you're making the right choice before you buy another living creature.
General Considerations
There are a couple of general things you should think about before buying any kind of pet. First, is the level of commitment. Do you have the necessary time every day to devote to a new pet? Whether it's walking a dog, playing with a kitten, or cleaning a reptile's cage, all animals have needs you'll have to meet to keep them happy and healthy. Second is how the pet will fit in with your lifestyle. If you have a high-pressure job that requires you to work long hours, then a dog might not be the best choice because they need consistent exercise and companionship. If you live in a small apartment, you might not have space for a terrarium to house larger reptiles. Make sure the pet you choose will integrate easily into your daily routine and home.
Dogs
Most people treat their dogs like their family or another human in the house. For example, you can buy CBD for dogs with anxiety just like for a person. But before jumping into being a dog parent, you want to make sure you can give the dog the best possible life. A lot of people opt to bring home a puppy instead of an adult dog, which comes with its own challenges. If this is the route you plan to take, be sure you know all of the responsibilities that come with raising a puppy. They need more attention than a grown dog, plus you have to housebreak them and train them to be gentle, polite pups. This can mean spending money on things like toys, pee pads, and trainers to ensure they learn proper manners at an early age. You should also consider the breed you're interested in. Some breeds are great for apartments because they're small and low energy, but others' size demands a generous sized yard and house to sleep in. You wouldn't want to try to squish a Great Dane into a one-bedroom apartment because it would quickly become bored and might start damaging your belongings. Along with the size of the dog is their temperament and energy level. Every breed is different, so take the time to do a little research and make sure you have one that fits your own personality and exercise schedule.
Cats
Bringing a cat into your home may seem like an easier task than buying a dog, but there are just as many considerations with feline friends. The first is life expectancy. Although most dogs will live for about ten years, cats typically live well into their late teens and can live up to twenty years. So before bringing home that cute little kitten, think about if you're ready for a long-term commitment. Cats can also be expensive, especially if you don't adopt from a shelter that gives them shots and spays or neuters before adoption. To get a kitten all of the necessary shots along with the sterilization surgery, you can anticipate to spend $800-$1,000 in the first year. This isn't including food, a litter system, toys, or flea and tick prevention. Although cats may seem low maintenance, they still need quite a bit of care to stay healthy.
Reptiles
To some people, buying a reptile might seem like the hands-off approach to owning a pet. After all, they pretty much take care of themselves right? Wrong. Reptiles need to have regular feeding schedules and also require clean cages to keep from getting a number of illnesses. If you're squeamish about dealing with bugs or mice, then feeding them to your snake or lizard probably isn't for you. When buying a reptile, you also have to make sure you consider how big they'll get as an adult so you purchase a habitat that will fit them during their entire life. They also require a significant amount of equipment such as heat lamps, basking rocks, places to climb, and healthy substrate for the bottom of their terrariums.
Bringing home a new pet can be an incredibly exciting time, but make sure you've thought about everything that pet needs to be happy in your home.