First, let’s think about why we are considering choosing a pet. Is it because the kids have been pestering you forever to get a new puppy or kitten? This is something most know, but I feel like I have to say it again just for the few who haven’t had the experience. Your children begging you to choose a pet is not, in itself, a good reason to have one. Children must be old and mature enough to take care of the puppy as an example.
Consider if you have time for a pet. They look to you for their food, water, veterinary treatments, and love. If your children cannot or do not want to take care of the pet, do you have time to do it? Did you know that in more than half of homes the wife or family member ends up taking care of the family dog or pet?
Now this is pretty common sense, but you should think about whether you are allowed to have a pet where you currently reside. Check the regulations if you are a tenant. If pets are allowed, are you prepared for the additional amount of deposit money that will be required? Are you prepared for the necessary carpet cleaning when you move in? These and other questions should be considered if you are a tenant.
How many years are you willing to commit to this new pet? A pet can be a lifetime commitment depending on how old you are when you choose a puppy or other young pet. I personally had a Dachshund that was with us for 17 years. Cats can live from 10 to 20 years subject to certain medical problems. Other pets like horses, turtles, parrots, and other types of birds can live a little longer, even 30-40 years.
None of us have a crystal ball, so we don’t really know when we’ll get married, divorced, move to another country, have kids, or maybe grandma will move in with us, you know, the one who hates animals. Do your best to see in the future where a pet will fit in. Once your pet is adopted, it becomes part of the family or, for him, the pack. The subsequent separation is difficult for everyone.
If you decide to choose a puppy or any type of young pet, keep in mind that younger animals require much more time to learn the ropes than adult dogs. Plus, younger animals, especially dogs, don’t appreciate being left alone. This is one way separation anxiety develops.
Younger animals should be taught how to behave in the family or in the pack. This cannot be done completely if the house is empty all day. As with children, traits developed at younger ages are traits that stay with them for most, if not all, of their lives. Proper training and interaction at a younger age will pay big dividends immediately and in later years.
Believe it or not, there are many more considerations when choosing a pet. Those I will mention in a different article. For now let me leave you by strongly suggesting that you make the decision to choose a new pet as a family decision.