Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting a Pet

Bringing a new pet into your family is an exciting time, but when is the right time? After a pet loss you may start to wonder if you are ready to love another pet, or perhaps you feel your current pet would benefit from a companion.

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself before you bring a new pet into your home.

1. Do you have the funds for a new pet?

The first-year costs on a cat or dog vary between one thousand and two thousand dollars according to the ASPCA. Subsequent years can average between five hundred and eight hundred dollars a year, for food, supplies and veterinarian visits. If your pet gets ill, if you travel and board your pet, if you have a pet that needs more frequent or specialized grooming, or if you choose to socialize your pet through a dog walker or doggy day care then the yearly costs will be even higher.

2. Do you have time in your schedule for a new pet?

Pets will bring you happiness but are also a big responsibility. While cats tend to want attention when they want it and how they want it, dogs take more care. Dr. Marty Becker, a popular and well-respected veterinarian, says that dogs require thirty minutes of cardio exercise a day, double for dogs that tend to be more energetic. Puppies need to be potty trained, crate trained, and leash trained, all of these will take time and practice until your new puppy learns and masters them. Pets will be a part of your family and will require the same devotion as any other member of your family. When you have future obligations that will take up a lot of your time waiting to get a pet until after your schedule isn’t as full is a better option for you and the new pet.

3. Will your living situation accommodate a new pet?

A small apartment with no yard isn’t fair to a big dog that likes to run, or a new puppy with a ton of energy. Some apartments or rental properties don’t allow pets or put restrictions on what pets you can have. Your new pet needs to have adequate space and somewhere they feel safe like a bed or crate, if your home doesn’t have the space then it may be best to wait until you move into a bigger home. Having children in the home means having a lot of things that a dog or new puppy could eat or chew on and should be taken into consideration when thinking about adding to your family. Some household plants can be poisonous to dogs and if you aren’t familiar with this you should research what types of plants are harmful and ensure your home doesn’t have any.

4. Is everyone you live with on board with bringing a pet into your home?

Your whole household needs to be in agreement when it comes to getting a new pet. If any member of your family is not ready for a pet it can make an unpleasant environment for everyone and it will be harder for the new pet to adjust. If you are considering a second pet in your home, you must be sure that the first pet gets along well with other animals.

5. Are you able to commit to a new pet for the duration for its life?
A puppy or kitten can live on average to fifteen years old and is a long-term commitment. Adopting an older pet can mean less time with your new friend but is still a commitment until the day they leave you. If you aren’t sure where your life will be in five years or if you may want to take a job across the country or overseas, then it might not be the right time to add a new member to your family.

So, when is the right time to get a new pet? Ultimately only you and your family can answer that, but chances are if you are asking the question then you are getting close. Once you feel you are ready visit the shelter and find your new furrever friend.