Choosing the Right Pet for Me
Finding the perfect pet isn’t just about which one is cutest, it is a process that needs research and a complete understanding of their needs.
Whilst we all have our favourite animals and breeds, sometimes practicality has to take a higher priority. It may be a clich? to say that a pet is for life, but it’s also true. When you buy an animal you have to be prepared to look after it for every day of its life. Your new pet won’t stay a puppy or kitten forever. Once it gets older you need to be able to love it in the years to come just as much as you did when you first got it..
The right pet is often a question of circumstance. If you’re in a small rented apartment, you won’t be able to have the same kind of animal as a person in a large family home with sprawling acreage for pets to play. So you have to adjust your expectations accordingly. Whilst you may fall head over heels for a gorgeous West Highland terrier, or be bowled over by a loveable bloodhound, you need to be aware of its needs ahead of your own. If your house is empty for most of the day some animals will get lonely and will be unhappy as a result. Therefore if you can’t afford the time, you should consider getting a high maintenance and intelligent animal like a dog.
If you do go down the canine route, don’t forget about dog insurance. This will cover any major veterinary procedures and ensure that your pet enjoys a long and happy life free from issues. It will also help you make savings and remove any difficult decisions when it comes to treating your dog.
Cats are a little different, or at least, some cats are a little different. Many breeds don’t require the same amount of care; they are largely self sufficient and will spend much of the day out and about. You are then free to go to work and leave them to their own devices, safe in the knowledge that they won’t come to any harm.
Pet insurance is also available for cats. You can get cat insurance to cover any of your moggy’s future issues, helping you cut the cost of dental and medical bills and, as with the aforementioned dog insurance, can help sustain it for a longer, healthier life.
Some people just don’t like cats. Believe it or not, cats aren’t to everybody’s taste. So an alternative pet may be in the offing. Well, there are plenty of loveable options that can be equally affectionate. Rabbits are a great example. Easy to look after, family friendly and they won’t cost you the earth either – both in maintenance and initial purchase. Guinea pigs are another great family pet for those who don’t have the space for a cat or dog. In fact any small rodent like a gerbil, hamster, mouse or rat can provide companionship without the same cost or requirements of their larger counterparts.
If it’s easy maintenance you’re after though, fish might be one to consider. They need regular feeding and a change of water every few days or so, but other than that they are completely self-sufficient. This makes them perfect for people who don’t want mess and are away from home throughout the day. They are remarkably therapeutic too; providing a fantastic centrepiece to any living area or garden.
Reptiles are also able to look after themselves to a certain extent. You may find that certain species of reptiles, lizards and snakes included, will require a unique environment for it to live comfortably. This will mean purchasing a specialist enclosure and being able to maintain conditions to ensure its continued comfort.. But as with fish, they don’t require the same level of constant affection that domesticated pets may need, so work well for those who want something a little different, have the money to afford their upkeep and aren’t always in the home.
There are so many animals out there you shouldn’t have any problems finding one that is perfect for you. Always remember the pet’s needs ahead of your own, it’s not just a beauty contest, you need to be able to look after and care for any pet throughout its life.
Things to consider when choosing a pet:
- Do you have the time to look after it?
- Do you have the space it needs?
- Do you understand its requirements?
- Are any members of your household likely to be allergic?
- Can you provide everything it needs for a long and healthy life?
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