Adopting a pet is like adding a new member to your family. With life spans ranging from 1 to 2 years to 15 or even more, a pet is not an investment to be made lightly, and it’s important that you find a companion who will match you and your lifestyle. From fur to feathers, let’s consider all the things to consider when finding the right pet for you.
Why Are You Looking
There are many reasons to adopt a pet. Pets provide companionship and love. They can help reduce stress and anxiety and can even help lower blood pressure.
Pets can provide important socialization opportunities for children and adults alike. They can teach responsibility, patience, and empathy.
Pets can offer important health benefits. They can help relieve loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and even improve mental health and physical health.
Pets can be a great source of exercise, fresh air, and outdoor fun. They can help you meet new people and make new friends.
Deciding early what you are looking for in an animal companion is an important first step in your adoption journey. If socialization, responsibility and exercise are some of your primary reasons, a dog could be perfect.
If outdoor time isn’t on your list of needs, but patience, support and stress relief are higher priorities, then a cat or small rodent such as a rabbit could be right for you.
Finding a Pet that is Safe for You
When considering adding a furry friend to your family, there are a few things you should consider in order to choose the best pet for you.
For example, do you have any allergies? If so, you’ll want to steer clear of animals that commonly trigger allergies, like cats and dogs.
Animals such as lizards or turtles can be fun pets to raise and care for if you seek a companion but are restricted by allergies. If a cat or dog is still on your mind, then looking into allergy-friendly breeds could be an option.
Breeds such as hairless cats or a non-shedding dog could be the loophole you need to find your perfect companion, despite medical hurdles.
What Requirements are you Prepared to Meet
Another thing to consider is what kind of personality you’re looking for in a pet. Do you want a cuddly lap dog or a playful kitten?
Or maybe you’re interested in something a little more unique, like a snake or lizard. There are so many different animals to choose from, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that’s right for you.
If you’re thinking of getting a pet, it is important to consider an animal’s financial responsibility. Pets come with many expenses, from food and toys to vet bills and grooming.
Make sure you are prepared to budget for your pet’s needs. You’ll also need to ensure your home is safe for your pet, which means pet-proofing it against things like electrical cords and poisonous plants.
It’s also important to consider whether you have the time and energy to care for a high-maintenance pet. Do you have the time to be walking a dog daily? Do you have the space to share your home with a larger, more involved pet?
If you have time and space to commit to a high-maintenance animal, then a dog or cat could be exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a low-key companion, a small animal like a hamster or beta fish might be a better fit.
If you are looking to buy a dog or adopt one, many places require you to have a fully fenced-in area. This will allow you to keep your pet safe, especially in busy cities such as Tauranga or Auckland. You can talk to many fencing companies to ensure you have the best option for your pet.
Where will your Pet be Living?
When looking to adopt, particularly when adopting older animals or from somewhere like the SPCA, it’s extremely important to consider the home you will be bringing your animal into.
Think about how your pet will fit into your lifestyle. Do you travel often? Are you home a lot? Do you have other pets?
While buying a baby animal can be easier as it can be more adaptable, sometimes you don’t want to deal with all that comes with raising a fuzzy child. Older animals could be easier as they often come trained and mature already.
However, you will want to consider where your new friend will live and consider that these animals have had lives and may not adapt well to your home.
Some animals don’t do well with kids, some don’t do well with other animals, some need a lot of attention and should be kept alone, and some might benefit from having a companion.
When adopting an animal, it is always a good idea to check its needs and preferences.
Picking your Companion
Once you’ve narrowed your options, the next step is to decide how you will acquire your companion. You could visit your local animal shelter. This is a great place to find your new best friend, and you’ll be helping out a worthy cause simultaneously.
When you’re at the shelter, take your time getting to know the animals and see which one you have a connection with. Once you find your match, you’ll be on your way to a lifetime of happiness together.
If you have a specific pet in mind, you could also look into breeders in your area. Make sure to research before choosing a breeder to make sure you’re buying from a safe and trustworthy source.
Getting in touch and building a relationship with the breeder is always good, particularly if you are looking to buy a baby animal. Breeders will generally plan for litters only at certain times, so it could be necessary to inquire in advance to guarantee that you are able to purchase an animal from them.
Regardless of where you’re taking your companion home from, it is important to spend some time getting to know them first. When meeting a potential pet, pay attention to its energy level and temperament. If you’re looking for a laid-back animal, you’ll want to avoid one constantly moving and seeming anxious.
Conversely, if you’re looking for a playful pet, an animal that is lethargic and uninterested in playing may not be the best fit. When you’ve found an animal you’re interested in, spend some time with it to see if you’re compatible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing a pet, it is important to consider what kind of animal is right for your lifestyle and personality. There are a wide variety of pets to choose from, so do some research to find the perfect fit for you. Once you have found the right pet, give them plenty of love and care.
