What to Consider Before Adopting Animals

Did you know that about 70% of U.S. households own a pet?

That number is not a surprise with all the added love and affection. However, when you decide to adopt an animal, you’re taking on considerable responsibility. Consider that each animal has its own personality and that you must be emotionally and physically prepared to deal with their individual requirements.

We suppose you’re ready to join the millions who are in the process of adopting animals. In that case, you’ll need to be honest with yourself about the following subjects before committing to a creature that relies on you for everything before committing. Keep on reading for our full breakdown of the essential factors to consider before adopting a pet.

Adopting Animals 101: Consider Your Financial Situation

Is it possible for you to care for a pet? To adopt a dog or cat, you’ll have to pay an adoption fee.

Every year, you should renew vaccinations, and unexpected diseases need a trip to the vet. All of that is prior to considering the cost of their food, any necessary equipment, toys, or even medication, if they need it.

Your Living Environemnt

Do you intend to relocate? Will your landlord allow you to have a pet if you’re renting? Please don’t adopt an animal unless you know you can take it with you when you move.

Owners leave their pets behind all the time when they move. Keep in mind that having a pet is a commitment that lasts a lifetime. Moreover, are you ready for all of the dog and cat hair? Because we can assure you that when you’re looking at cute cats for adoption, you won’t be thinking about the following tasks you need to do before welcoming them to their new home.

Assembling a Home for a New Pet

It doesn’t matter whether it’s securing your trash cans or checking for unsafe Christmas decorations, you’ll need to keep your house secure before bringing a new family member into your home. Toxic foods, pet-unfriendly plants, and dangerous household items should all be kept out of reach of curious paws. Prepare your home for a new canine or feline friend by following the advice underneath.

A comfortable bed for your pet should be in every room. You’ll also want to provide appealing alternatives that increase the likelihood of pets staying off the furniture. To prevent your cat from scratching your furniture, use double-sided adhesive tape or upside-down carpet runners. It would help if you steered clear of vertical blinds, drapery that pools, or tassels with lengthy ropes.

You’ll want to install high-quality metal screens on all of your windows is a must if you have cats. It may be a good idea to keep attractive carpets until your new dog is completely housetrained. You should provide various scratching posts and perches for your new feline friend’s comfort and well-being at home.

Make sure your dog has lots of “legal” stuff to chew on. The less he has to nibble on, the less probable it is that he will destroy your possessions. You may use dog cages and gates to keep your new pet contained while you are away from home.

And, you’ll want to make a final check to see if any plants in or near your house are toxic to pets before you bring them inside.

Acknoledge Your Family or Household Situation

All members of the family must be involved in the decision to have a pet. Is this something you (and the rest of your household) would be able to commit to?

Puppies making small messes, kittens scaling the drapes. Fluffy the cat is using your furniture as a scratching post until he learns the actual scratching post. By the way, if you don’t have one, “Fluffy” has every reason to utilize the kitchen table.

Be Ready to Meet Your Pet’s Everyday Demands

If you don’t take care of your pet, they will require you for the remainder of their life, which may be as long as 15 years long. Are you sure you’re up for this? We don’t want to scare you away from adopting a pet since we have so many that need homes; we want to make sure you understand precisely what you’re getting yourself into before you do so.

Having a pet isn’t all fun and games. It’s important to be aware of the additional bodily functions that come along with caring for a living, shedding, and pooping animal. That’s going to lead to a lot of arguments.

Also, be ready for a lot of puking. It’s been eye-opening to see how often dogs may consume items that don’t agree with their stomachs or do not pass through their gastrointestinal system.

As many first-time dog owners have found to their chagrin, dogs will roll in dead items or excrement to cover themselves in the delightful fragrance of rotten things.

Are You Ready to Commit to Animal Welfare?

With an adoption, you’re making a long-term commitment to a dog or cat, which may range from 10 to 15 years or even up to 20 years.

When you go through major life transitions like moving, having a child, or getting a new job, your pet will always be a constant companion. Will you still be able to provide for your pet if your life circumstances change? If the answer is yes, then congratulations.

You’re now ready to become a pet parent.

Animal Adoption: Doing Things Right

When people look at adopting animals, they tend to look at the situation through the lens of their own needs, not necessarily considering the needs of the new family member they’re adding to the household.

We hope that our guide has shed some light on the nuances of becoming a pet parent. And, if you’re hungry for more tips and treats, then you should check out our pets section for all the additional explainers and guides you (and your new pet) could possibly need.