If you’re thinking about adopting a pet, that’s awesome! There are many benefits to enjoy when living with a loving companion animal. The last thing you want to feel, however, is regret. Choosing a new family member should be a well-planned decision. You’ll want to do your homework and give things plenty of thought before jumping in head-first.
Remember, it’s a pretty major life change, so it requires plenty of conscientiousthough. Here are five things you should think about before picking out your new fur-ever friend.
The first thing you should consider is what sort of animal will best compliment your life. It’s important to do some research to make sure you’re picking the perfect pet. The last thing you want to do is risk adopting an animal that won’t work out. It’s can be not only heartbreaking for you, but also stressful for the animal, especially if they must be surrendered.
It goes without saying, but you also need to be certain that a pet will fit into your living arrangements. If you rent your home, be sure to check with your landlord prior to adopting.
Not only should you learn about the breed(s) you’re interested in adopting, you should also research the shelter or organization. Reputable rescue groups and shelters are incredibly thorough when it comes to vetting potential adopters. They should want to match you with an animal that will be a good fit.
A home visit should also be scheduled to see how your potential pet will fit into your household.
If a dog or cat isn’t right for you, or you have reservations about a particular animal, trust your gut. Also, if your worried that your life isn’t stable enough to adopt, it’s best to wait until it is.
As for rescuing, don’t assume it means you’ll have to settle for a pet that isn’t what you want. The right pet will come along, even if you have your heart set on a purebred. Not only are there plenty of purebred animals in shelters, there are also many rescue groups for specific breeds.
Somewhere, there is a perfect pet for you, likely in a cage somewhere, waiting for a loving home.
Life’s changes can be completely unexpected and can present various challenges. From financial issues to job changes and major relocations, it’s hard to know what may happen. Make sure you have a plan for your pet – both for emergency expenses and for life changes.
Not sure if a pet is right for you? Talk to a shelter about fostering one for a couple of weeks.