Getting a pet can be a wonderful thing, especially for families. If you have children, you might want to seriously consider getting a family pet because it will help teach them responsibility as well as help with developing their emotional intelligence.
When we think of pets, our minds often go to cats and dogs – and it’s true; they are the most popular pets. However, there are many pets to choose from. You should consider all your options so that you can be sure you are getting the right pet for your family. Keep reading to learn about a few ways you can do this.
Consider the cost
Of course, some pets are more expensive to get than others, especially if you opt for buying a pet rather than adopting one. That being said, you should also keep in mind how much it will cost you to continually care for each type of pet since pets are an ongoing expense.
You will need to pay for their shelter, as well as basic things like their food. You may also have additional fees such as vet visits or deworming medication.
You need to consider all aspects of the expenses – for example, dog food may be more expensive than bird food, but birds often require cages that cost a lot of money, while dog beds are more affordable.
Consider their size
Sometimes, you won’t have much say in what type of pet you get, because the decision will be made for you.
The most common example of this is not having enough space for big pets like a dog, in which case you will need to get a pet that doesn’t require a lot of space.
Cats are often an ideal pet for people who live in small homes, but animals that live in cages like birds or rodents can also be viable options, as can fish. If you don’t have the space needed to accommodate a specific type of pet, it wouldn’t be fair to get that pet.
Consider how much attention they need
Some pets are high maintenance, while others need just the basics to get by. Pets like dogs or cats need a lot of attention and stimulation, and you will also need to keep them active. On the other hand, a pet such as a fish will likely need nothing more than space to swim and some food.
Generally, people tend to prefer pets like cats, dogs, and even rabbits, hamsters, or birds because they often have their own personalities and you can interact with them. But if you and your family live busy lives, you might not be able to dedicate enough time to them, in which case a lower-maintenance pet might be a better option.
Consider any preferences
Of course, sometimes you may just lead towards a specific type of pet – like how some people are dog people, and others prefer cats.
If you simply want a certain type of pet and you have the space and financial means needed to get that pet, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t. In the end, what matters most is that you are able to welcome the pet into your family and offer them a loving home. The same goes for breeds – if you want a dog and you are partial to a certain breed, you should go with your instincts.
Consider any possible allergies
If you are allergic to a certain type of pet, you will likely not get that pet. Unfortunately, it often happens that a family adopts a pet, only to learn afterward that their child is allergic. This places them in a difficult situation.
If possible, you should try to determine any possible allergies amongst your family members before you get a pet.
Even if someone does end up being allergic, you can still get a pet – just maybe not the pet you had in mind. Some allergies, like dog allergies, can be treated. You can learn more about dog allergies here.
Consider any restrictions
In some cases, your living situation simply may not make it possible for you to get some types of pets. We’ve already spoken about how the size of your home can affect the pet you get, but other aspects could mean you need to limit your options.
For example, if you live in an apartment building or complex that doesn’t allow certain pets like dogs or cats, you won’t be able to get those.
Similarly, even if you live in a house, you might not be able to get a certain pet. This is often the case if you are renting and your landlord doesn’t want pets in the house.
Most places are fine with pets that live in cages, but it’s a good idea to check before getting a pet, just in case.
Consider how long they live
Any pet is a commitment, but because different types of animals have different lifespans, you will likely be committing to a different length of time depending on the pet you get.
If you get a pet such as a dog or a cat, you should be prepared to take care of them for many, many years. Other pets may not live as long, although they can exceed their average lifespan depending on various circumstances. You should research how long a certain type of pet lives. For example, if you are planning on getting a hamster, you will want to research how long hamsters live.
In conclusion
While getting a pet for your family can be a great idea, it’s very important that you choose the right type of pet. To do so, you will need to consider various options.
Pets are great for families, because they can teach children and adults many valuable lessons, and they often bring a lot of joy and love into a home. That being said, you also need to remember that owning a pet is a big responsibility, so you will need to make sure your family is ready for this commitment.
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Related Categories: Pets & Animals, Reviews
