We would love to live in a world where every single family could adopt a pet. There are so many wonderful animals in shelters and on the streets who need forever homes. But the reality is, not every individual or family is in a good position to become a pet owner.
If you or someone you know is thinking of adopting a pet, take a minute to slow down and make sure you’re seeing the whole picture before you make a years-long commitment to pet ownership.
1. You’re Away from Home a Lot
It’s not fair to adopt a pet and then leave it alone for most of its life. Dogs, especially, require regular walks. But all pets get lonely, need to be fed and can display problematic behaviors when they’re not stimulated enough.
If you’re away from home more than 8 hours a day and/or travel often, it’s not practical to have a pet. You should either hold off until your work or travel needs change or make sure you have the money to pay pet sitters to fill the gaps.
2. You Don’t Have Set Routines
Pets (like children) do best when they have set routines they can rely on. There’s a joke that if you have to remember to do something at a certain time every day, start feeding your cat at that time because they’ll never let you forget. So, if you’re a very spontaneous person or your schedule changes frequently, it’s best to wait to get a pet until your lifestyle becomes more predictable.
3. Your Home Isn’t Pet-Ready
Try to look at your home from your pet’s perspective. If you’re considering adopting a large dog, will they be comfortable in your studio apartment? Or if you’re considering a cat, where will you put a littler box? Does your landlord allow pets? Are your roommates or family members on board with a pet?
Another important thing to consider is how particular you are about your belongings. We hope your pet wouldn’t wreak too much havoc, but you should be prepared that a dog or cat (especially a puppy or kitten) may scratch your furniture, chew a shoe or have an accident on your rug. If the thought of that makes you very upset, you should consider a more low-maintenance pet like a fish.
4. You’re Unsure About Your Future
The average lifespan of a dog is 10-13 years, and for a cat, it’s 12-18 years. Can you guarantee that you can commit to taking care of that animal for that period of time? No one knows exactly what the future holds, but if you’re on the verge of moving to a new city, starting a new career or another major life change, think about waiting to adopt a pet.
5. You Don’t Have Extra Income
Pet ownership can cost $700-$1000 a year depending on the pet and its health needs. And this doesn’t even account for unexpected veterinarian visits. If you’re on a tight budget, buying basic pet supplies can put you in a precarious financial position. So before adopting, take a hard look at your finances to make sure you have the money to adequately care for a furry family member.
We didn’t write this blog to scare anyone away from pet ownership. However, we do strongly believe that you should only add a pet to your family if you’re 100% sure that you’re up to the task and the longterm commitment it involves.
