Adopting a pet is a wonderful way to add a new pet to your family. Not only does it give a home to a pet who needs it, but it also reduces the number of puppy mills and other facilities who breed pets simply for money. Pets truly make our lives better and reduce stress and loneliness, but ask any pet owner: they’re also a significant investment in our time and resources. While we encourage you to adopt a pet if you can, we do hope you’ll be a responsible pet owner. Before adopting a pet, here are some things you should consider.
Take Your Time
You should take your time to consider the type of pet you want to adopt to make sure it will fit your lifestyle. Puppies and kittens are oh so adorable, but do you have the time and energy to train them? If not, consider adopting an older pet who will be far easier to handle. Never decide to adopt a pet because of a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Consider Their Needs
While all animals need preventative care, including vaccinations, dental cleaning and check-ups, some pets need more professional grooming than others. Toy dog breeds, for example, need frequent visits to the groomers not just for aesthetics, but because they need extra care to avoid matting, which can cause skin or circulatory problems. If this doesn’t sound like something you can commit to, consider adopting a more low-maintenance pet.
Pet-Proof Your Home
Much like baby proofing before your newborn can crawl, homes and yards need to be pet-proofed before adopting your new pet. When you first bring home a new pet, he or she is likely to explore every inch of their new surroundings, often while you’re sleeping. Chocolate in any form can be deadly to dogs, holiday decorations can be dangerous to cats and dogs, and don’t forget about plants. Depending on the type of plant, the amount ingested and in some cases the weight of the pet, an innocent munching by a cat or dog with a penchant for plants can have serious consequences.
Find A Vet
Your new pet will need a checkup and vaccinations, as well as spayed or neutered and a microchip. He or she could also need preventative flea treatments or other medications. At PetWow, we work hard to create a positive experience for your during their visits. More than 20,000 pet parents trust the health and grooming of their best friends to us, and we take that care seriously. To schedule your appointment, call us today at 513-738-9691 to schedule your appointment at our Highland Heights or Florence Kentucky locations, or for At Home Veterinary Care. For more pet care tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn!
