Discussing All Of The Things You Need To Know Before Adopting A Pet In Honor Of Responsible Pet Owners Month
Being a pet owner is a truly wonderful experience that nearly everyone should have at least once. However, being a pet owner isn’t always easy and being a responsible pet owner takes a lot of effort and hard work. That’s why we created this article for first time pet owners.
In honor of Responsible Pet Owners Month (February), this article will discuss everything you need to know before you adopt a pet. This includes things like foods, products, time management, veterinary info, and the average annual cost to care for a pet. These are all very important things to know and consider before you adopt a pet and not after.
A Holiday That Promotes Responsibility
The month of February is widely celebrated among pet owners as Responsible Pet Owners Month. This month-long holiday aims to educate pet owners and would-be pet owners about the importance of responsible pet care. Anyone can buy or adopt a pet. But, not everyone is equipped with the knowledge or tools to give their pets the proper care and attention they need.
Additionally, several organizations including the A.S.P.C.A. (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the American Kennel Club, and the American Veterinary Medical Association support Responsible Pet Owners Month by providing free information and education about pet care.
Before You Adopt
Adopting a pet is a wonderful and selfless act that is truly life-changing. But, being a pet owner is a privilege that should not be taken without serious consideration beforehand. Here are a few things to think about and ask yourself before adopting a pet.
Do You Have The Time?
No matter what kind of animal you adopt, they will require daily care. For example, dogs need to be walked at least twice a day for potty break, exercise, and stimulation. Even smaller animals like guinea pigs need food and fresh water on a daily basis.
Before you adopt a pet, make sure you are able to fit some time into your daily schedule for them. How much spare time you have will help determine what kind of pet is best for you.
A Life-Long Commitment
When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for that pet for their entire life. Therefore, it’s important to consider the average lifespan of the pet before you adopt. For example, the average lifespan of a cat is 12-18 years according to VetWest. That’s over a decade! Are you prepared to care for a pet for that long?
Additionally, some species of turtles can live as long as 20 to 150 years! In these cases, it’s even necessary to include who they will go to in your will. The average lifespan of a pet is something you should consider before adopting a pet. Only adopt a pet if you are willing to commit to caring for that pet for their entire life.
Can You Afford It?
Before you consider adopting a pet, take a good look at your budget. It costs money to care for a pet and some pets are more expensive than others. For example, Pettable reports that the average annual cost to own a dog in the state of Ohio is $1,883. This is only considering the basics like food, toys, vaccines, and veterinary bills.
Before adopting a pet, you need to be realistic as to whether or not you can afford to care for them. Wanting a pet isn’t enough. You need to have the means to provide for them. Otherwise, you and your pet could find yourselves in a bad situation. Only adopt a pet if you know you can afford it in the long-term.
Being Prepared
Before you bring home your new pet, it’s important that you already have all of their basic needs covered. The products you need will vary depending on the type of pet. For example, when adopting a guinea pig, you should already have a cage, setup for them when you bring them home. This includes hay, bedding, food, water bottle, and some enclosure for them to hide in.
Therefore, you need to do your research beforehand. Find out what your pet needs before you bring them home. Set them up for success by already having the things they need when you welcome them into your home. This is beneficial for both you and your new pet.
Pet Love
Aside from the basic necessities of food, water, and shelter, pets also need love. Pets don’t just want social interactions, they need it. They thrive off of it. Therefore, we recommend only adopting a pet if you can commit to setting aside the time to give them attention and love. Owning a pet and loving a pet are two very different things.
Looking For A Pet Sitter?
Pets need regular stimulation to stay happy and mentally healthy. If you don’t have the time to regularly stimulate your pets, then consider hiring a professional pet sitter! Here at Stay At Home Pet Services, we offer quality pet sitting services at competitive prices. We have over 10 years of experience, our sitters are certified in pet first aid & CPR, and we love all pets as if they were our own.
We are located in Cincinnati, OH and service the following areas of East Walnut Hills, Hyde Park, Mt Lookout, Oakley, Norwood, Kennedy Heights, Pleasant Ridge, Tusculum, East End, Mariemont, Fairfax, Madisonville, Mt Washington, Dillonvale, Deer Park, Silverton, Kenwood, Madeira, Indian Hill, and Anderson Township. Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 513-706-7702. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram too! We post everyday, so make sure you follow us so you don’t miss out on any adorable pet pictures.