Want a pet? When the cat’s away, the mice will play!

Deciding to adopt a pet is one thing and choosing the right pet is another! No doubt, pets are such lovely companions and will help improve the quality of your life. But if you pick up the wrong pet, things can go south quickly. Here’s a guide that will help you choose the best pet!

A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet

Like humans, animals are built differently; they have different needs and traits that demand specific management and care skills. If you pick up a pet whose needs or personality is a gross mismatch with yours, it will end in disaster, and most pets are abandoned or tossed from home for this exact reason.

Hence, it is imperative to conduct due diligence to avoid potential challenges. Understand that these animals are bound to suffer if you make the wrong decision. So, you owe it to yourself and your prospective pet to choose right! Luckily, these tips will help you make a stress-free and informed decision.

Consider your Lifestyle

You may want a dog or a cat badly, but are they best suited to your home or lifestyle? What if you work all day long? Who will take care of the dog in your absence? Are you willing to hire a home service pet sitter? Is there a dog daycare within or around your vicinity?

Cats love to play around and can be quite naughty! So, if you want a cat, who will let them out to play while you are away? Is there even an exterior space like a garden in your house? Would you like to come home to a cranky cat and torn sofa?

These questions are paramount to your research. You need to understand the temperament, size, feeding habits, and health characteristics of the prospective pet relative to your lifestyle, family setting, or orientation.

Work out the Costs

The best pet parents spend “good money” to give their pets a quality life. Raising a pet is nowhere near cheap and requires a financial commitment, and you must factor in food, toys, house service pet sitters, insurance, and other money-associated necessities.

Some pets are relatively affordable to maintain, while others cost an arm and a leg. So, before you take that pet home with you, research the financial implication and decide the sum you are willing to spare for their maintenance. If the expenses are way above your budget, kindly reconsider your options.

Say no to Impulse Buying

As tempting as it is to buy a gorgeous pet at first glance, please don’t! Apply logic first before submitting to the whispers of your heart. Pets are long-term commitments, so buying one on impulse can be bad. You already have enough on your plate; the last thing you need is another “life choice” gone wrong.

At most, smile happily at the pet and pat it on the back. And don’t make promises, irrespective of the cute puppy dog eyes. Instead, go home and be a detective (dig up all facts about the pet). Afterward, you can go back to buy the pet or consider other alternatives per your findings!

Some Pets to Consider and Why

Birds

If you are looking for an entertaining companion, you should consider a bird. Again, depending on bird type and needs, you must weigh your decision carefully. For instance, an amateur bird parent will appreciate a parakeet or cockatiel.

These birds are kind to the wallet and demand less attention. If you are too busy, you can get two, so they can keep each other company while you are out and about.

Reptiles

Reptiles generally demand minimal attention; however, they need a large enough habitat and specific heating, lighting, and other accessories. Examples include leopard geckos, ball pythons, corn snakes, and bearded dragons.

Reptiles have different nutritional and care requirements. And while some appreciate human contact, others prefer to be left alone. Also, they typically carry and transmit zoonotic diseases. Thus, it is imperative to take precautions.

Tarantulas

These breeds of invertebrates allow zero to minimal human interaction. Unguarded interactions can expose you or your loved ones to poisonous bites and allergies (mostly from hair).

Other invertebrates, like scorpions and cockroaches, share similar characteristics. Get professional recommendations and counsel from pet professionals before taking in tarantulas and other invertebrates.

Cats

Cats are a popular choice for “adorable” reasons! They are stress-free and less demanding, and you don’t need to commit a chunk of your time to their care. In fact, they do well with professional house service pet sitters and hardly mind the size or setting of a home.

On the downside, cats are high-maintenance. From veterinary consultations to disease prevention to food to grooming, cats will take a ton of your income. So, if your finances can’t handle cat care, it is best to consider other affordable options.

Dogs

The famed “man’s best friend,” dogs have mastered the art of companionship. These animals are natural companions and will make you happy by default. However, they have specific needs. And like cats, they don’t come cheap. Dog care is time and money-consuming, to say the least.

They demand all the attention you can spare and a pretty penny for care. Their needs range from monthly preventive care (for ticks, fleas, and heart worm), veterinary visits, grooming, food, toys, and others. Plus, they are made of different breeds, sizes, and personality traits; thus, you must do your homework before picking up a dog!

The Bottom Line

Pet care isn’t to be taken lightly, as it involves a combination of factors determining their suitability for you and your home. You might love a particular pet, but it might not be the best choice for you, owing to your budget or lifestyle.

It would be best if you also were prepared to make sacrifices and commitments. Hopefully, this guide will help you make a good and rewarding choice. Plus, you can always hire a house service pet sitter from the House Service App if you are short on time!

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