Is Now A Good Time To Get A Pet? *

*Collaborative post.

Pet sales have soared in the last year. If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your fold, it’s important to answer a few questions first. While having a pet offers a raft of benefits, there are downsides. Taking care of a pet is a commitment and it’s essential to make sure you’re ready for the responsibility before you fall head over heels with a new addition.

Do you have time for a pet?

One of the most significant factors to consider when getting a pet is how much time you have. Looking after pets takes time and it can also limit your freedom and flexibility. While cats are relatively self-sufficient, you’ll need to devote a lot of time to your pet if you choose to get a dog. Dogs don’t like to be left alone, they need regular exercise and they need feeding and letting out throughout the day. If you’re already chasing your tail or you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, it may be wise to consider waiting or to get a low-maintenance pet. 

Can you afford a pet?

We often use our hearts rather than our heads when it comes to choosing a pet. We fall for puppy dog eyes or impossibly cute kittens and before we know it, our monthly bills have increased substantially. It’s always beneficial to consider the financial implications of getting a pet before you visit a breeder, a pet store or a rescue centre. You might need to pay for your new pet but there are additional expenses to factor in too. These include the cost of food, additional items such as bedding, toys and healthcare products and pet insurance. It’s also important to include vet’s fees. If you’re getting a kitten or a puppy, for example, you’ll need to take them for their injections soon after you bring them home. 

It’s worth researching costs and trying to figure out how much your new companion will cost on a monthly or annual basis before you decide. The cost of food varies according to which brands you buy, what type of pet you have and whether they have any additional needs or dietary issues. High-quality food like products from Pure Life pet food will cost more than food you can buy in supermarkets. You can save on the cost of food by buying in bulk and comparing prices online. You may be surprised at the difference in prices when you search online and explore different retailers and websites. It’s also a good idea to sign up for discount codes and loyalty schemes. 

Is your lifestyle suited to being a pet owner?

Having a pet will impact your lifestyle. While some people are very happy to devote time and love to cuddly creatures, others may not be ready to sacrifice spontaneous weekends away or long hours at the office. If you have a very busy schedule, you travel frequently or you enjoy having the freedom to make plans at the drop of a hat, it may be wise to think twice about adding to your brood at the moment. If you had a dog, for example, you would need to arrange for somebody to look after it if you travel a lot and explore daycare and dog walking services during the day if you work long hours and you’re not based at home. These services carry additional costs. It’s also crucial to consider the impact on your pet. If you would be leaving it with somebody else most of the time, it might not be the right time to expand your family. 

Are you ready for a pet?

Owning a pet is a commitment and you have to be ready to take on the responsibility of looking after your pet. This involves feeding them, making sure they are happy and comfortable, encouraging exercise and taking them to the vet for routine checks and vaccinations. It’s also worth noting that lots of pets, particularly dogs and cats, crave attention. They want to be part of the family and they enjoy spending time with their owners. If you’re not ready to look after an animal or you don’t want to spend your evenings curled up on the couch with a furry friend for company, you may be better off waiting.