When it comes to having a pet, they really do come in all shapes and sizes. Before you head out to your local shelter and decide to adopt, there are a few things you might want to consider. We’ve put together a list of questions you should ask yourself when trying to decide which pet is right for you and your lifestyle! Good luck!
Why are you looking to own a pet?
Is it because you want something to play and cuddle with throughout the day? Do you want something that will keep you company? Or is it more something you want because you want to liven-up your home? This is a very important question to ask yourself that might help you decide what direction to go in as far as pet ownership.
How much time do you plan to spend with your new pet?
Do you have a lot of spare time or do you have a demanding 9-5 job? Will you have much non-busy time to offer your new pet? The amount of time you can dedicate to your pet will also determine how easily it will be for you to take care of a pet such as a dog in comparison to a reptile.
Do you want a pet that you can communicate with?
I know this question sounds a little silly, but it’s a very important question to ask. Of course, there aren’t any talking dogs out there (that we know of!), but there are some animals who will respond to commands as opposed to not really having any real communication with the pet. Decide what’s most important to you as far as communication before taking the plunge!
Do you want a pet only when it’s convenient for you?
This question can be very telling, so be sure to think through this one very carefully. If you’re not willing to spend all or most of your free time with a new pet, then a dog might not be your best option. If you’re not willing to give up going out with friends, going away for nights at a time, etc, then you should find a pet that can be cared for without 24 hour attention.
How much upkeep do you want to be responsible for?
Are you willing to give it your all and do whatever it takes for your new pet, or would you prefer to do as little as possible when it comes to upkeep? Depending on your comfort level when it comes to responsibility, you want to be sure you’re prepared for the obstacles of having a new pet, especially one that requires significant upkeep!
What’s your living situation?
Do you have a house or an apartment? Is there a yard? Does your home have a lot of expensive decor? These are all going to determine which types of pets you should eliminate from your list, specifically because there are many who really need certain types of living situations. For example, medium to large dogs are better off in bigger living spaces with yards, whereas a cat can happily live in a small apartment with no yard.
Lisa Podwirny is the owner of Ketchum Mfg. Connect with her on Google+!
