So you’ve made the decision to get a pet. It’s a big one and not a choice to be made on the fly. There’s a lot that goes along with bringing another life into your home. Here are some things you should know:

Not all breeds are right for you

No matter how much you want a particular animal, desire does not equal compatibility. While this is perhaps the hardest thing to hear as a future pet parent, it’s possibly the most important thing you need to know. When choosing your new animal, consider the size of your home, the amount of money it will cost to feed it, and whether or not you, your children, or people who frequent your home have allergies that could make living with your new pet difficult. People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, a nationwide veterinary charity, offers more information on how to pick the right pet.

It takes preparation

There are dozens of different types of pets you might consider. Birds, small rodent’s rabbits, and fish don’t require that much preparation. But dogs and cats do. Pet-proofing your home is similar to child-proofing. You’ll need to eliminate their access to loose electrical cords as well as potentially poisonous plants and chemicals. If you plan to take on a large animal, such as a horse, you’ll need to ensure it has proper shelter and plenty of room to roam.( Rabbits suffer great cruelty ending up being locked away in small hutches. Rabbits need handling and space to run and dig – needs great consideration) Same applies to birds, especially Parrots who need constant human contact, not being left for hours at a time. All birds need fly time out of the cages and access to water for bathing – again needs careful consideration.

It takes time

When you add a furry family member to the mix, you will lose one valuable asset: time. And while this is more than made up for in the love you’ll share and the joy your new pet will bring you, it’s still something to consider. You may need to take time off work to help your new pet acclimate to the home. It’s not fair to dump them in an unfamiliar area without letting them adjust first. Shelter pets, especially, maybe skittish as they have often not have the opportunity to live in a home. You will also need to spend time each day on feeding and exercising your pet and, depending on the species and breed, you’ll need to devote anywhere from a few minutes each day to a few times per month on grooming. When it’s time leave them and you have a busy schedule that require long hours away, consider hiring a dog walker so they are still properly exercised and given an opportunity to relieve themselves throughout the day. This will eliminate some anxiety and the negative behaviors that go along with it.

The bond between a pet and his owner are unbreakable

There is an undeniable bond between humans and their pets. This is especially evident in dogs, which have been bred for domestication for thousands of years. These creatures, and every other living being, is capable of developing an attachment with their family. For these reasons, it is exceedingly important that you are 100 percent certain of your decision to adopt a pet. Bringing them home for a short time only to return them to the shelter or breeder can have serious psychological consequences. If you’re certain that you’re ready, there are ways to further the bonds between you. Start by spending quality one-on-one time together. Learn how to communicate with your pet and prioritize training every day. Your animal will give you clear signs of their likes and dislikes. While you’re going to get frustrated, never take anger out on an animal. Physical abuse is never acceptable and will only teach your pet to fear you and others.

Perhaps more importantly, you need to know that there are millions of unwanted animals waiting for a home. If you are considering your first pet, check out the RSPCA online to find a furry friend that’s you right for you.

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