Do you want a pet, but don't know which one to choose? Having one is a long-term commitment, with a lot of responsibility. In fact, animals are living beings with many needs, thoughts and feelings. Therefore, if you are considering becoming a pet owner, it is important to choose the right one to share your life with.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding If You're Ready for a Pet
Step 1. Prepare to change your routine or lifestyle
Becoming a pet owner will change your life. You will have to change your daily habits, adapt your home and consider the expenses due to the animal.
- If you are very busy, it will be difficult to care for an animal that needs regular attention. Some dogs, horses, mice and cats need to be able to exercise, walking or playing.
- Pets often need to eat at fixed times. You will need to remember to feed yours, or find alternative ways to make sure it always has enough food, especially if your lifestyle often leads you to be away from home for a long time.
- If you travel a lot or spend a lot of time away from home, caring for a pet can be difficult and stressful. Some animals, especially cats and dogs, need to socialize and be educated to do so. Staying home alone all day can have negative effects on their health and emotional well-being. You may need to hire a pet sitter, leave your pet in a shelter, or choose one that can stay home alone for many hours.
Step 2. Make sure all family members or roommates are ready for the pet to arrive
Even if the pet will be yours, it is necessary that all the people who live with you agree on its entry into the home. Animals, especially puppies or those with special needs, can cause stress and difficulties for everyone in the house. If you have a large family, with many children, or live with other roommates, it is important to make sure everyone is ready to have a pet.
- Find out if you or another person living with you is allergic to any animals. Mild allergies can be controlled, but severe ones can cause health risks. If you are unsure whether you or a roommate have allergies to animals, it is best to consult an allergist to be sure.
- It can be problematic to keep pets around small children or pregnant women. Pets can be very stressed by a newborn and introducing one to a family that is expecting a child can aggravate an already difficult situation.
Step 3. Make sure your home is suitable for pets
If you rent or live in an apartment, condominium, or town house, your building will likely have pet rules in place. In many cases, only small pets are allowed. In others, animals are forbidden altogether or allowed only after a cash deposit. Ask your renter or condominium administrator about the rules governing the species, breeds and sizes of pets that you can have in your home.
- Ask for permission in writing and have your lease or rental updated. Authorizations given only orally are often not reliable. The written tests will be useful if you have any problems in the future.
- Check your local regulations if you are planning to purchase an exotic pet or if you want to import one. To import an animal from abroad, ask about the documentation and isolation procedures required by the airlines and customs offices in charge. Customs rules often change without notice, according to the health provisions of the moment.
- Some pets have to live in the great outdoors. Most can bear to live in small houses if there is the opportunity to go out or to be stimulated a lot at home thanks to play and interactions.
Step 4. Save money on pet expenses
Caring for a pet comes at a cost, which can become huge. It is important to have a stable financial situation to be able to afford the care a pet needs, such as food, supplies, toys and medical bills. You may need to save for:
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Visits to the vet.
Regular visits to the vet are important for every animal. If you want to master an exotic pet, you may need to find specialized veterinarians who are experienced in their care.
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Vaccines and other preventive drugs.
Some animals need to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the most common diseases. You may also decide to protect your pet with monthly prophylactic medications against fleas, worms and other parasites.
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Sterilization.
If you don't want to breed puppies, you will need to neuter or spay mammals such as dogs, cats, horses and mice. This will allow you to protect your pet from health problems such as unwanted pregnancies and certain types of cancer. In addition, a neutered pet can live a better life, because they will not have the behavioral problems typical of animals that have not undergone the procedure and which can cause stress for them and for you.
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Accidents and illnesses.
Should your pet fall ill or be the victim of an accident, the treatment could be costly, from a mental, physical and financial point of view. You will need to prepare for hefty fees from the vet in case of emergencies.
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Insurance.
Some pet owners pay insurance to cover illnesses, accidents, and veterinary visits.
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Supplies for the animal.
You will need to regularly purchase food, toys and hygiene items.
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Training and pensions.
Some animals need to take obedience or training courses. Others cannot be left alone and will need to be entrusted to pensions or other entities that can take care of them when you cannot.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Pet for You
Step 1. Research the type of animal you want and its breeds
While each animal is unique, some species and breeds have specific characteristics that can help you figure out which ones are right for you. You can search the internet, at the library, at the bookstore, or talk to the staff of a shelter or pet store and ask about the traits, characteristics and needs of the type of animal and breeds you are interested in. Eg:
- Some cat breeds, the Siamese for example, are very affectionate. They cannot be left alone for a long time, as they can fall into depression or suffer from separation anxiety. Therefore, if you have long shifts and can't always be at home, you should avoid choosing a Siamese cat and opting for another breed.
- It is important to consider the climate in your area when choosing a pet. Most domestic birds like temperatures around 20 ° C. If you live in a colder environment, it's important to make sure your little bird stays indoors or in an area with the right temperature. Many little birds that escape from their cages die of cold.
- Each animal and breed have different hygiene needs. A long-haired cat needs to be combed every day, while a short-haired cat requires it once a week.
Step 2. Choose between a young and a more mature animal
An animal's needs change throughout its life. Most new owners choose to buy or adopt puppies, but they do not consider the major challenges posed by young animals, in terms of time, effort and cost. Some owners may even be disappointed when their puppies grow up. In the United States of America, more than 7.6 million pets enter shelters every year. Many of them are strays or animals abandoned by their owners for many different reasons. One of them is that some owners no longer want to take care of adult animals because they are no longer as cute as they were when they were puppies. Therefore, if you are thinking of adopting or buying an animal, consider whether a puppy or an adult specimen is more suitable for you.
- Puppies: they require a lot of attention and training. Dogs and cats will need to be used to doing their business outside the house or in the litter box. Smaller animals, such as rodents and birds, will require constant attention, as you will take on the role of mom for them. Some puppies can also cause damage to the home by often biting, chewing, scratching or soiling furniture. You will also need to vaccinate and spay puppies of some species. If you have small children in the house, you will need to make sure that animals and children can play together safely, as both are very fragile creatures. Also consider that a puppy's personality and temperament can change once they reach adulthood.
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Adult animals:
it can be difficult to bond with an adult animal, especially if it has been abused or mistreated in the past. It will take longer for him to become attached to you and get used to the new environment. However, its personality will remain unchanged over time, so with your initial observation you will understand what to expect once you bring the animal home. Furthermore, adult animals do not require special obedience training. Adult dogs and cats are able to play and interact safely with young children. In shelters, adult animals are rarely given a second chance, so if you adopted one, you would save their life.
Step 3. Choose where to take the animal
There are many ways to get a pet. Some people get them from friends, neighbors and family. Others adopt them or buy them from a breeder. Some animals enter people's lives on their own, showing up at their door or as foundlings. Here are some of the more common ways to find the pet you're looking for:
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Animal shelters.
Millions of animals are killed every year because they have not been adopted or because the shelter has no more places available. Therefore, adopting an animal from a shelter means saving it from euthanasia or from a life behind bars. The cost of adoption is not very high and all animals are vaccinated and sterilized before being entrusted to the new owner. The staff also know animals very well and can help you choose the one that suits you best.
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Breeders.
It is very important to choose your pet from a responsible and reliable breeder who is well versed in the breed he sells. Farmers should always provide their animals with sufficient space, food and water. They should also have properly socialized with them before handing them over to new owners and never sell them before this has been possible. Breeder prices can be quite high, but this is the best choice if you are looking for a thoroughbred.
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Pet shops.
Some stores act as adoption agencies and partner with local animal shelters. They can also look after and sell their animals, which you will see in their living conditions.
Part 3 of 3: Learning to Know the Different Animals
Step 1. Choose an animal that lives in the water if you prefer a quiet creature that is easy to care for
Freshwater or saltwater fish are rather easy animals to care for. They are known for their calming effect, relieving anxiety and stress simply by watching them swim. You should ask yourself the following questions before choosing an aquatic animal:
- Do you have the space to house an aquarium or a tank? Almost all aquatic animals need an aquarium of at least 25 liters with an efficient filtration system.
- Can you regularly spend time cleaning the aquarium? You will have to clean pumps and filters, wash the entire structure and fill it with water suitable for your animals.
Step 2. Consider a bird if you want an intelligent companion for life
Birds are by far the longest living pets. Large birds can live for decades, while small ones up to two years. They are also highly intelligent and easy to care for. They don't require a lot of attention, but they do need environmental stimuli like toys or they want to interact with you. Birds can also be very affectionate and show empathy. Before considering a bird, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have enough space for the cage? Larger birds will need rather bulky cages.
- Are you ready to take care of a bird that can live many tens of years? Some of them, especially large parrots, live very long. For example, African gray parrots live an average of 50 years. Budgies, on the other hand, only live from 5 to 15 years. Don't pick a bird you aren't willing to bond with for life.
- Are you willing to regularly clean the cage and take care of the bird's hygiene? You will need to clean the cage every week and bathe the bird every two to three days. These animals also need many hours a day of interactions with a human. A bird that feels lonely can get bored easily and develop bad habits, such as over-grooming and overeating, which can endanger its life if not corrected. Toys and a suitable bird companion can alleviate the problem, but birds still need family contact.
- Are you a careful observer and would you be able to immediately notice the animal's health problems? Many birds are prey. For this reason they have evolved to show no signs of disease until they are in critical condition.
Step 3. Be aware that reptiles are very different pets
They are not tame, so they will always have wild instincts and will never be particularly affectionate. To keep a reptile as a pet you will need to know its species very well, starting from adaptation, behavior and habitat to feeding, mimicry and reproductive strategies. Before considering a reptile as a pet, ask yourself the following questions:
- Will you be able to meet your reptile's dietary needs? Most reptiles are carnivores or omnivores and will have to eat other animals, such as mice, crickets, rabbits, and birds. You can usually find these ready-made foods at a pet store, but some reptiles may need live prey.
- Are you willing to take care of an animal that can be dangerous? Species such as snakes and lizards can become dangerous if not handled properly.
- Can you create the right environmental conditions for your reptile? Reptiles are cold-blooded animals that require a warm, enclosed, and properly sized environment. This need can be costly and take new owners by surprise. Since reptiles can be purchased at a relatively low price, people are often unwilling to pay the huge expenses involved in maintaining them.
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Are you ready to take care of a reptile for many years? Some reptiles can live for up to 40 years, or even 100.
Do you have enough space? Snakes and some lizards can get very large. Are you ready to give them all the necessary space?
Step 4. Raise a rodent if you want an active, small and inexpensive pet
Hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, gerbils and chinchillas make excellent pets. They are suitable for owners who want to interact in first person with their animals without having to devote them the time required by other species. It is even possible to train mice and other rodents to perform simple commands and complex tricks. Before choosing a rodent as an animal, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have enough space for the cage? Most rodents live in small cages, but they can be housed in larger containers if desired.
- Are you ready to take care of the animal's cage daily and weekly? You will need to clean the cage regularly and empty the litter boxes every day.
- Can you dedicate time to interactions with your rodent? These animals need daily attention to learn how to socialize with you or your family. You should also get them out of the cage every day to explore, play and interact with you.
- Are you willing to learn how to handle rodents? Some of them, such as mice and hamsters, are quite fragile and need to be handled with care. You will need to learn how to hold and take them properly, to avoid hurting them.
- Are you willing to take care of an animal that can live for 3 years? For some people, 3 years is a long time, for others, a short period. If you decide to become the owner of an animal, you must foresee that you will suffer at its death.
Step 5. Choose a dog or cat if you can give them a lot of attention
These are the most common pets, but also the ones that require the most attention. Before choosing a dog or cat, ask yourself these questions:
- Can you guarantee the right living conditions for a dog or a cat? Dogs need to be outdoors and a fenced garden can greatly improve their quality of life. Cats also often want to go outdoors, and a safe neighborhood or walled garden can satisfy this need.
- Can you pay for the costs of obedience training? An unruly animal can make your life very complicated. Even if you decide not to give your pet formal training, you should be willing to read up on and apply the disciplinary measures necessary for basic training yourself.
- How much attention can you give to your dog or cat? Most dogs want to be taken outside to go to the toilet and walk. Some breeds also develop behavior problems if they are left alone for long periods of time. Cats also need a lot of exercise and social interactions. The main reason for aggression in cats is boredom or lack of environmental stimuli.
- Who will take care of your pet when you need to be away for a while? Check the availability of pet boarding houses and pet sitters in your area if you don't have friends or family who are willing to take care of your pet when you can't.
- Do you travel a lot? Dogs and cats can suffer from stress if forced to constantly change their environment. This can lead to long-term behavior problems.
- Will you get an adult animal or a puppy? In the second case, make sure the puppy is old enough to be separated from its mother. Smaller animals need a lot of attention and care. Remember that you will often have to look after them and raise them, with a large commitment in terms of time.
- Are you willing to take care of a dog or cat for more than 10 years? Depending on the breed, cats and dogs can live up to 15 years on average. There have been cases in which cats and dogs have reached 25 years of life.
- Can you afford the ordinary veterinary expenses and the emergency expenses for accidents and illnesses? Surgery and emergency medical procedures can cost thousands of euros.
Advice
- Look for shelters or kennels near your home if there is the right animal for you.
- Don't buy a pet just because you think it's cute or funny. Always think about the pet's needs before yours.
- Do research on an animal before taking the responsibility of buying it. Don't buy it on impulse!
- When buying a pet, make sure you like it and have the right temperament for you. Don't just choose the one with the color you like best.
- If you don't have the option to get a pet, try caring for a creature temporarily by volunteering at a local animal shelter.
- Adoption can help many animals or even save their lives. In addition, almost all adoption services provide pets that have already been spayed and microchipped.
- Start by caring for simpler animals like fish, and gradually move on to rodents to see if you can look after a pet.
- Be careful if you buy a pet from a pet store. Some stores get their puppies from mass breeding. This means that animals may have genetic problems, with consequences on behavior and character, or physical problems, which may require veterinary care.
Warnings
- If after choosing an animal, you find that it is not suitable for you, consult your local animal shelter. Never abandon, kill or abuse an unwanted animal. There are more ethical alternatives to giving up your pet.
- The death or illness of a pet can be devastating and stressful for the owner. If you decide to take care of one, you must know that you can face moments of mourning and situations where you will have to make difficult decisions about the life of the animal.
