Becoming a first-time pet owner?

Hello everyone.  It's that time of year again when Mom and I are getting tax stuff ready to get to the lady who knows what to do with all the numbers so we asked our friend Cindy if she would like to say a few words about the things you need to know when getting a pet.  Here is what she has to say.

Tips help you to choose a furry friend

Any pet owner will tell you that bringing an animal into your life is like gaining a family member. Whether you’re single or have a entire houseful, the benefits of owning a pet are endless — but which kind?

Choose The Right Pet For Your Lifestyle

When it comes to choosing between a cat or a dog, you may be partial to one more than the other — but the final decision should be in the best interest of both the animal and you. Important questions to ask yourself are:

• What’s the size of your home? This helps determine the quality of life for the animal — and you. This includes whether or not you have outdoor space the animal could use.

• Do you have permission from the property owner if you rent? Some apartments and condos only allow cats.

• Do you have the financial resources to take care of your pet’s daily needs, regular medical checkups and medical emergencies? Many animals wind up back in the shelter because owners realize they can’t afford them. Look into resources that provide financial assistance.

• What’s your activity level? If you’re relatively sedentary, keep in mind that dogs and puppies need ongoing activity including going for walks outdoors to relieve themselves and releasing energy. Staying fit with your pet is a great motivator and bonding experience.

• What would your plans be if you travel? Do you have a reliable resource to care for the pet if you decide not to bring it along?

• How much time do you realistically have to spend with your pet? There’s no point in getting one if you’re never around. Daily interaction is a must — especially before and after leaving the house. Despite their solitary reputation, cats and kittens thrive on social interaction, too.

• Dog or puppy, cat or kitten? Puppies and kittens require more 24-hour care than adult dogs and kittens. Not just because they need more stimulation, but also because they tend to be more mischievous and need to be watched. This question ties in with living space — a big dog in studio apartment without a yard doesn’t really make sense.

• Does anyone in your household have allergies? If yes, that doesn’t mean a pet is necessarily a no-go. Talk to your doctor about possible allergy medications. Short-haired animals are a better option as there’s less dander and hair flying around. Bathing your pet, keeping a clutter-free home, and covering the litter box can also help.

• Do you have kids? Certain breeds of dogs tend to be more aggressive and/or have a size and energy level not conducive to a home with small children. Breeds such as the bulldog, newfoundland, golden retriever, bull terrier and boxer are among the best dogs for children. The same rules apply for families seeking a cat — breeds like bengal, burmese, Maine coon, ragamuffin, and Siamese are among the most kid-friendly.

• Are you going through rehab? Owning a recovery animal has been proven to be beneficial in helping those going through rehab by helping to establish a regular routine, giving you a sense of purpose, and cheering you up when you’re feeling low. You’ll learn how to be social again while staying active in the process.

Preparing your home

It’s important to adequately prepare your home for your new furry friend — especially rescue pets from a shelter as they’re more apt to be nervous and/or fearful. Make sure your pet has a soft and comfortable bed, perpetual access to clean water, established feeding sessions, and toys to self-amuse when you’re not around. Some pets have a tendency to chew and/or scratch personal belongings so be sure to put those items away and set up scratching posts/boards (for cats) where necessary.

Bringing an animal into your home is a serious decision. It’s important to consider the questions so that you don’t wind up taking the pet back to the shelter down the road. Like us, animals are loving and intuitive creatures that have the ability to become sad, confused and scared due to neglect and too many lifestyle changes.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

P.S.  I hope you enjoyed hearing from our friend Cindy and remember, for the bestest pet gift baskets in the universe, go to pawpalsboutique.com 

Your tax preparing friend,
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Zeva