Australians simply adore their pets, and the majority of us view pet ownership as a typical aspect of family life. However, before you make the major decision to welcome a dog, cat, or other furry, feathery, or scaly creature into your house, it’s crucial to understand what pet ownership entails.
Most significantly, caring for a pet requires dedication over the long haul. Dogs and cats typically live for 12 years, while some make it to their 15th or 20th birthdays. Since cockatoos can live up to 80 years, you may want to think about including them in your will if you’re considering about getting one.
Some of these important considerations have been summarised below:
Cost:
Nowadays, buying a pet frequently requires a sizable down payment, particularly for many popular dog breeds. Purchase costs in the tens of thousands of dollars or more are not unusual. But regardless of how much it cost to get your pet or even if it was free, caring for a pet may be expensive, so you need to be sure you have the resources to take care of them over the long term, especially when they require medical attention from your veterinarian.
Time commitment:
While having a pet is very rewarding and spending time with them makes you happy, pets do require regular time commitments from their owners to ensure that they lead fulfilling lives. The species or breed of animal you select to bring into your home depends much on the amount of time you have available to devote to it. You can discuss this with your veterinarian before making your purchase.
If you choose to adopt a puppy or kitten, it will take a lot of work in the first few months to housebreak, socialize, and mold their behavior for the years to come. To prevent boredom or frustration, which can result in destructive or unwanted behaviors, the majority of dogs will require routine walks, playtime (particularly when they are puppies), and one-on-one attention. Despite frequently being given attention and socialization on their own terms, cats still need and enjoy these things.
Is your home suitable for a pet?
Make sure your house is pet-friendly by taking a peek around. If your dog is being left outside, make sure there is enough shade and access to water as well as that the fencing and entry points are secure to prevent your dog from escaping. The backyard’s size and available area are appropriate for the particular breed of dog you want to get. If you’re thinking about having a cat and want to give it access to the outdoors, be sure they can’t escape the premises.
Outdoor cat enclosures are excellent for enriching their lives and enabling them to spend time outside safely. Cats may need to be kept indoors or in a run at all times, depending on your local council restrictions. Your pets shouldn’t have access to poisons like rat or snail bait, so make sure your furniture is safe. It’s also advised to give your pet secure toys and entertainment to occupy them while you’re gone as this can assist prevent unwelcome damaging behavior inside the home.
Do you have young children?
To make sure that the needs of the animal and your child are taken into account, it is crucial to select a pet that is appropriate for your child’s age. When introducing a new pet to your kids, be cautious and make sure all interactions are under adult supervision. Even the family dog shouldn’t be left alone with children under the age of ten. Even the friendliest of dogs can be violent if provoked or feeling threatened, and children often lack the knowledge necessary to connect with animals in the most suitable ways.
