There are so many benefits to having your own animal around to love and care for, but if you have not had a pet before or you are looking for something different than you would usually go for, you might want some input before you make that decision.
There are many factors to consider when you are thinking about getting a new pet, and this guide is designed to help you reflect so you can pick the perfect pet for you!
Why Do You Want a Pet?
Thinking about why you want a pet will be useful when determining what kind of pet you would like. You are not going to look at getting a fish if you want something to snuggle up to at night, and you are probably not going to get a cat if you want a pet to be active with.
So, having a good idea of what you would like your pet for can help point you in a better direction when it comes to getting what would suit you best.
Of course, each animal has its own personality, and just because you have chosen a specific type does not guarantee they will do what you expect them to!
How Much Time Do You Have?
All pets require dedicated time and attention, but it will come as no surprise that different pets will have different time requirements.
For example, if you are really active and have all the time in the world, a dog might be a great choice for you, especially breeds that need exercise two to three times a day.
If you have minimal time on your hands but really want an animal to come home to, then perhaps fish and or hamster would suit you a little better.
What Kind of Budget Do You Have?
Your budget should absolutely be a significant factor when it comes to having a pet. They are not cheap to have, though some pets will be more expensive than others. Even when you get a fish, you have to have a proper tank set up, running electricity, and a filter to keep them healthy! That said, a fish is obviously significantly cheaper than a dog, which will eat significantly more, need vaccinations and regular treatments such as defleaing, not to mention toys and accessories, and regular vet appointments from a trusted vet such as Easyvet.com.
How Much Responsibility Do You Want?
All pets require you to take responsibility, no matter what animal you choose. However, there are varying levels of responsibility for different species.
With a pet such as a hamster, you can nominally leave them alone unless you would like to tame them. You will have to make sure their bedding is cleaned regularly and that they always have fresh food and water, but this is a lot lower maintenance than even other rodents, such as rats. Rats require plenty of interaction and stimulation, a very large cage, and must be kept in at least a pair!
There you have it: key considerations when it comes to choosing your pet.
