4 Ways You Can Set Yourself Up For Success When Adopting a Pet

Adopting a Pet

When it comes to adopting a pet, there's more to it than just bringing home a fluffy friend. Getting a pet is like adding a new member to the family. It's a commitment that requires a lot of careful planning and patience. And that's still true whether it's your first time adopting or you're adding another paw, scale, or fin to the tribe. Read on to learn about four ways to set yourself up for success when adopting a pet.

1. Do Your Homework

Before you embark on the heartwarming journey of pet adoption, it's essential to do your homework. You shouldn't bring home a pet without knowing what you're getting into first. It would be like going to a job interview without researching the company first. Take the time to learn about different breeds, their personalities, needs, and potential challenges you might face.

For instance, if you're considering adopting a high-energy dog like a Border Collie, be prepared for lots of daily exercise. Similarly, you'll need to have plenty of fresh dog food - and the budget for it - when considering a large breed like a Newfie. More generally, most dogs need daily exercise and attention whereas some cats can be on their own for days with no problem.

Considering the traits and tendencies of any pet before adopting is a wise choice to make sure your personalities mesh well. Adopting a pet is taking responsibility for a life. So do your best to research how that life is best tended to. Once you know what pet-specific criteria you're willing to entertain, you'll be able to prepare for your pet's arrival.

2. Assess Your Lifestyle

Now that you've researched your desired breed, or species, pause to reflect and ensure their needs match your lifestyle. Depending on what kind of life you lead, it could play a significant role in what kind of pet you choose. Are you always on the go with a packed calendar or do you prefer quiet evenings at home? Do you live in a home with a spacious backyard or are you crammed into a tight studio apartment in the city?

If you're a busy professional with limited free time, for example, an energetic dog or an exotic parrot might not be right for you. Instead, lead toward a low-maintenance pet like a fish. Conversely, if you lead an active life outdoors, a dog that can keep up with your adventures could make the perfect companion.

If space is an issue, you can adopt pets that don't travel much like smaller mammals or turtles. However, keep in mind that all animals need some space to live a healthy life. Also, think not just about your current life, but the life you intend to have. Depending on the kind of pet you get, they could live up to two decades or more. Do you foresee yours being able to take care of them five years from now?

3. Budget Wisely

Pets can bring unconditional joy into your life. They can also bring lots of bills. From food to grooming to veterinary bills and insurance, owning and caring for a pet isn't exactly cheap. It's a real financial responsibility that you need to pause and consider.

Your pet's size, age, and breed all factor into how expensive they may be to own. In general, larger, older animals tend to be more expensive than smaller, younger ones. Large animals eat more and older ones tend to experience more health complications. You can also expect certain breeds to encounter particular complications during the course of their lifetime. Rottweilers are notorious for developing joint problems, for example.

Budgeting for your pet not only ensures you can provide for their needs but also mitigates unexpected financial strain. It gives you a clearer picture of what kind of animal you can realistically afford to take on. Take budgeting seriously so you can avoid having to pay your local shelter a solemn visit down the road.

4. Pet-Proof Your Home

Once you've settled on the type of pet that suits your lifestyle and budget, it's time to pet-proof your home. Think of it as preparing for a tiny, cute, rambunctious gremlin to move in. Luckily, it's one that may very well end up being your best friend in a matter of days.

Start by removing any oral hazards, such as toxic plants and small objects that could be ingested. Next, invest in pet essentials like food and water dishes, a comfortable bed, and toys they make like. Also, consider installing baby gates to contain your pet as they adjust to their new home. Baby gates provide your pet with an area that they can call their own and established no-go zones. This will help them settle in more easily.

Finally, ensure any animal-specific precautions are taken. Close your windows if you're bringing home a bird, for example. Or be ready with filtration devices for your aquarium so it's up and running the moment your fish arrives. Go the extra step to prepare so there aren't any preventable mishaps on the big day.

New Life

Adopting a pet can bring an incredible sense of fulfillment to your life. They are often a source of unconditional love, lots of play, and fond memories. However, adopting a pet can be incredibly challenging if you're not ready. So set yourself up for success by preparing yourself and your house for their arrival well in advance. That way you can be confident they'll absolutely love their new home.