Whether you’re buying a pet as a Christmas gift for your children or because you are in need of some companionship, it is important that you understand the responsibilities you are taking on.
After all, pets are not accessories. They are living beings with complex needs that must be met – no matter how cute they may be! This means that you need to be willing to put in the required effort to care for them properly.
With that in mind, here are some top tips for taking care of a new pet!
- Do your research. Whether you’re adopting a dog, cat or something a little more exotic, carrying out some basic research ahead of time is a great starting point. This means that you’ll have a better understanding of what is required of you as a pet owner, covering bases such as what (and how often) to feed them or how to ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
During this time, you should also ensure that your children are as informed as possible as to what it means to be a pet owner. While this may take some getting used to, it’s a great way to teach them to be more responsible moving forward while also providing them with unwavering love and companionship!
- Set aside some money. While sticking to the mantra, ‘adopt don’t shop’, is always advised, that’s not to say that you will not have to spend any money when it comes to caring for a pet. After all, you’ll have to pay for a wide variety of things on their behalf, including:
- Food
- Medicine and veterinary care
- Pet insurance
- Toys
- Supplies
- Stock up on supplies. Once you’ve decided on which kind of animal you’d like to welcome into your home, it’s time to buy the relevant supplies, ideally from a reputable seller. For example, you can find everything you need for dogs and cats on sites such as Bunty.
- Make sure you pet-proof your home. Pet-proofing your home can help you protect your valuables while also ensuring that you can protect your pet from any potential harm. For example, you should make sure that any electrical cords are out of reach from your four-legged friends, who may perceive them to be a new chew toy!
On a similar note, you should also make sure that you pet-proof your garden if they are going to be spending time outdoors. For example, you should secure all exits so that they do not break free into the neighbourhood unexpectedly, no matter how keen they may be to make new friends! You may also want to let your neighbors know about your new family member.
- Establish a pet care routine. Establishing a pet care routine is always critical, especially if you’re hoping to share pet care responsibilities with others within your household. For example, if you are taking care of a dog, you may want to assign each member of your household a specific duty, such as grooming, feeding and walking. This ensures that all of their needs are met without the burden falling entirely on your shoulders.
It is important to note that animals are much more receptive to routines than we’d expect them to be, meaning that any deviations from their norm can become somewhat distressing. As such, once you have a routine in place, you should be sure to avoid making any drastic changes to it unless absolutely necessary. For example, you should make sure that they eat at the same time each morning and night!
- Register with a local vet. Registering with a local vet is one of the easiest ways to ensure that you are providing expert care to your pet. After all, it means that they can receive all of the necessary vaccinations to protect their health and can receive expert care and support as soon as they need it.
On a similar note, you may also want to use this as an opportunity to purchase pet insurance. While this may seem like an additional (and perhaps unnecessary) expense to begin with, it can help you save thousands of dollars should your new friend get injured or take ill unexpectedly, meaning it is a worthwhile investment.
In short, there are plenty of ways in which you can ensure you’re up to the challenge of welcoming a new pet into your home – whether you grew up surrounded by animals or you’re prepping to be a first-time pet owner!