Photo CreditWe are a nation of animal lovers. More and more people are getting pets as new additions to their family. But if you haven’t had any pets before, things can be a little daunting. How do you choose the right one for you? How do you go about getting one? Do they have special requirements while they grow up? What do they eat? Where do they sleep? The list goes on and on. But not to worry. We have all the information necessary for new pet owners. Just read on!
Which Pet Should I Go For?
The kind of animal you opt for will depend entirely on how well equipped you are to care for an animal. All animals require a lot of love and attention, but some are definitely more high maintenance than others. If you find that you have a busy work schedule and are out of the house for hours most days, a dog won’t be the pet for you. You might be better suited to a cat, which is much more independent and can let them in and out of the house via a cat flap. Or perhaps a hamster, as these creatures are nocturnal and will sleep or keep themselves occupied while you’re out of the house. Reptiles such as snakes and lizards are low maintenance in terms of handling (they generally prefer to be left alone) but are more high maintenance in terms of ensuring that their living environment is suitable (you will have to adjust tank temperatures throughout the day and keep the atmosphere humid with water spray bottles). Before getting any pet, research their requirements for a healthy, happy life and ensure that you are able to meet or exceed them.
Where do I get them?
It’s always tempting to head out to get an animal from as young an age as possible. But you should definitely consider adopting! There are so many animals out there in need of a loving home and you could provide one for them. Visit your local animal shelter and meet some of its occupants. Chances are you’ll fall in love before you leave. If you have small children, bear in mind that all rescue animals may not be appropriate, as some may be shy or anxious. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of any animal and their temperament before committing to taking them on.
What Professional Care Will They Need?
With every animal comes great responsibility. You need to make sure that their every need is met. The first step towards this is ensuring that you have a good vet on hand for an emergency and nonemergency cases. The day of the week doesn’t matter when it comes to emergencies and if the worst is to happen you don’t want to be frantically searching last minute for vets open Sunday near me. Know beforehand and make sure your pet is registered!
What Home Care Will They Need?
Never settle for the basics. Make sure that your pet’s every want and need is catered for. Ensure that they have a constant supply of food and water, regular exercise and toys to stimulate them and keep them occupied throughout the day.
