The number of people welcoming a pet into their homes has skyrocketed in the UK, particularly with so many people working from home and having more time to devote to training and caring for a furry friend. Having a pet has many benefits, including reduced loneliness, improved mental health and higher levels of physical activity.
However, being a pet owner is a big responsibility and getting a pet isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. You’ll need to educate yourself on how to take care of an animal, particularly if you’ve not had one before, as well as prepare for the financial side of pet ownership. Here, we outline some top things to consider.
Do you have enough time?
Depending on the type of pet you choose, you may need to devote a significant amount of time to them. For example, a dog requires lots of attention, time to play and daily walks, as well as regular feeding. However, some pets require less time, such as cats, which don’t need to be walked and often entertain themselves.
Consider how much spare time you can make to accommodate a pet, and whether this aligns with the pet you would like. If you find you don’t have enough time to dedicate to a pet, you should not get one until you have rearranged your life to make time for one, as this could be detrimental to both you and an animal.
Are you financially prepared?
Having a pet is a big financial commitment, so it’s crucial to ensure you can afford to feed them nutritious food, buy toys to keep them entertained and cover the cost of healthcare, such as vaccinations, neutering and worming.
At some point, your pet will likely need medical attention for illness or injury, so it’s important to be prepared to pay for this by taking out pet insurance. You may need to assess your finances if your pet is rushed to the vet suddenly.
Do you have enough space?
Depending on the type of pet you want, you will need to have a certain amount of space for them to be comfortable and live a happy life with you. Smaller animals such as cats, rabbits and guinea pigs don’t require a huge amount of outdoor space, if any. However, if you’re hoping to bring a dog home, you’ll need space for them to play and roam, particularly if you opt for a large dog.
Do you have the knowledge?
Before getting a pet, it’s essential to ensure you know how to take care of it. You will need to know how often your pet needs to be fed, what kind of food they should eat and what they can’t or shouldn’t eat.
You will also need to understand their health and medical needs. If you’ve never had a pet before then this may feel overwhelming, but it’s easy to educate yourself by reading books, browsing online resources, or speaking to friends and family who have pets.
