Can you think of something that will give your life a purpose, make you happier, increase your vitality and enable you to make friends? That’s right, the answer is pets! These furry creatures have a multitude of benefits for you and your loved ones if they are adequately taken care of. If you or your family have been thinking of getting a pet for a while and are confused about which one to adopt, do read on to find out the best pets for your loved ones. There are a few factors to consider before you make your decision!
Make Sure That You Can Take Care of A Pet
The first thing that you should be asking yourself is, can you even take care of a pet? This is because pets need a regular schedule of feeding, grooming, and in the case of dogs, walks. If you feel that your health conditions make it unable for you to stick to a routine or that your mobility issues mean that you are bedridden, it may be time to rethink. This doesn’t mean that you forgo animals. There are alternatives whereby shelters let you take care of an animal for a few days. You could even offer to pet sit for your friend’s pet.
Consider Your Activity And Mobility
Even among pets, some like dogs will require up to two daily walks. Of course, this also varies depending on the breed of dog that you choose. Cats are more homebound while birds require a little hands-on activity. Some birds like canaries, however, prefer not to be handled at all. If you are looking into going into assisted living and have mobility issues, you might want to consider a low-maintenance pet.
Take into Account The Costs
Taking care of an animal requires planning and forethought. This is especially true if you are planning for retirement and want to pre-calculate how much you would need to set aside. Some expenses include the cost of purchasing the animal, vaccinations, neutering as well as cages, if needed. Medication, visits to the vet, and grooming also tend to be costly so it is advisable to take this into account!
Look at Your Living Environment
Apart from costs, it is important to consider whether where you live is compatible with your pet. Do you live in a neighborhood that has plenty of parks and walking spaces for dogs? More importantly, if you plan on shifting to an apartment, many owners may not allow you to have certain pets so do ensure that your home is pet-friendly and accessible.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
It is always important to be prepared for when things go south. For example, if your pet has a medical emergency, are you able to drive to the nearest vet at short notice? Is there a vet within driving distance from your home? Sometimes, you yourself may require medical attention and if so, is there someone who is able to take care of your pets for you for a few days? You should consider all of these factors when selecting a pet.
