Scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram and looking at pictures of adorable pet parent or kittens is fun. We often wonder how amazing it would be to be pet parents. However, things are not fun and games when it comes to adopting a pet. There are several things that you would have to consider if you want to invest in a pet. Parenting with pets is not an easy job, especially if you’re a first-timer. If you live with your family, you would first have to consult them before you decide to bring home a let.
If you’re wondering how to convince your parents to get a pet, you would have to assure them that you’re capable of taking responsibility for your pet. If you’ve always wanted to have a pet and you’ve finally decided to make a decision, there are a few things that you have to consider that are common for all pet parents. We’ll be talking about the same in this article. Read along to find out!
Things to Remember Before Pet Parent
Here are the 6 Essential things to consider before becoming a pet parent:
Choose your pet wisely
Before getting a pet, pet parents have to first decide which breed or species they want to bring home. You’ve got to pay attention to several factors with this respect. Some breeds require more physical activity than others, while some need more spacious surroundings to adjust well.
Pet Parent If you get a breed that’s fit for bigger houses and needs lots of physical activities, whereas, you are not in a position to provide for that, you’ll be in trouble. It would be difficult for you, as well as your pet. Being pet parents isn’t worthwhile if you regret your decision later.
Time constraints
Pets need attention and you would have to consider your schedules before you finalize on getting a pet. You would have to consider them your family and take care of them. Providing them with the basic survival necessities like water, food, shelter, etc. is not enough. They also crave companionship and love. Four-legged pets like dogs or cats would want to play with you and follow you everywhere. You wouldn’t be able to ignore them and if you do, it could be detrimental to their health and well-being.
Unless you plan on getting a goldfish, that needs not much attention, you need to work your schedules and spare time out for your pet. Training is an essential part of parenting with pets since they have to be taught the signs and signals that indicate their day-to-day activities. This demands a lot of time, initially. You would have to train your pet to follow your commands and for communication to begin. This would require patience and if you’re not gentle with the process, the training might not turn out to be effective in the long run.
Reason for the shift
The decision of being a pet parent is a crucial one and can be considered a lifestyle shift. It’s almost like planning for a baby. Before you proceed, you would have to figure out the reason behind the shift that you want to make. Do you want to invest in a pet solely because you found it cute on a social media platform? Or because your friend got one? Maybe because you feel lonely? Ask these questions to ask yourself and only if you find a reason feasible enough to take the responsibility of a new life, go ahead with your decision. You should be in a position to justify your wishes. This is how you can convince your parents to get a pet if they’re not in your support.
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Financial constraints
As mentioned before, pets are like your family members and you would have to be prepared for their medical emergencies, apart from the regular check-ups and vaccinations. Adopting a pet isn’t just the initial investment, but also the regular expenses throughout their lifespan. If you’re not able to afford all their requirements, it wouldn’t be a good decision to get them home in the first place. If you don’t earn yet and pressurize your parents to invest in your pet, against their wishes, it’s not the right step. Take your time and plan everything according to your budget and financial constraints.
Infections and allergies
If you live alone with your pet, nothing like it but, if you live with your partner or your family, you would have to consider their health issues before getting a pet. Several people have got an allergy to the fur of animals or are prone to infections when they go near animals.
In such cases, you would either have to reconsider your decision or get pets that won’t come in direct contact with you or the people around you, like fishes or birds, for instance. Make sure to be regular with your pet’s vaccination appointments and other medical requirements to keep them and your surroundings as safe and clean as possible.
Pet Parent A woman’s hand is decorating the aquarium in a fishbowl as a hobby.
Dog-sitter
Do you have trustworthy neighbors or friends who can take care of your dog while you’re away for a vacation or a work trip? If not, you’ll have to do some research and contact centers or creches that look after pets when their owners are not available for some time. It’s not a good idea to leave your parents alone because that makes them feel lonely and might have adverse effects on their health.
Conclusion
Now that you’re aware of the major things that you would have to consider before getting a pet, you could focus more on them if you’re sure about your decision. Only if you have a positive response to all of the above, should you proceed with your idea. The responsibility is huge but once you get your pet, you are going to have one of the purest and warmest relationships there is. You’ll have a companion who’ll always be there for you when others don’t. Spending time with your pet is also a form of self-love.
Also, read: Zoophobia Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment
