Mamabee

3 Considerations for Getting a Family Pet

Not everyone is keen to have a pet in their lives, but many people find it’s a true pleasure and something they want to do. Whether you’ve had a pet before or you’re looking for your first one, there are some important things to think about. When you’re getting a family pet, there are even more things to consider because you’re not the only one involved. With that in mind, here are some of the top considerations you’ll need to have in mind when deciding whether a pet is right for your family. Read on to find out more. 

The Type of Pet 

Before you can think of anything else, you’re going to need to work out what kind of pet it is that will suit your family best. Only once this is decided can you move on to actually buying or adopting one and going through all the other considerations on this list. 

So, what type of pet is going to be good for you? Dogs are a popular option, but they need a lot of taking care of and plenty of exercise. You’ll also need to train them. Not only that, but there are many different breeds of dogs, and each will have its own temperament. You’ll also need to decide whether you want to buy a puppy or adopt a dog from a shelter; if you opt for the latter, check out this Diamond Pet post and find 7 tips for adopting a shy dog as it could help you. 

Cats are another popular option, and although they still need plenty of care and attention, it’s not in the same league as a dog. Then there are small rodents, fish, perhaps even snakes, and many other pets to choose from. Take a vote and see what everyone wants, then go from there. 

The Cost

The idea of getting a pet might be exciting, and it could be something you are really happy to do, but you must factor in the cost of pet ownership. You’ll need to pay for the pet itself to begin with, and even if you adopt, you’ll need to make a donation and sometimes pay for vaccinations and medication. 

Apart from the cost of the pet, there are ongoing costs. Insurance, pet food, toys, bedding, daycare, vets’ bills, grooming, and more are all considerations. This can easily add up to many thousands of dollars per year; is this something you can afford? Some pets are cheaper to take care of than others, of course. For example, owning a hamster is not going to cost as much as owning a dog, so this might help you choose what type of pet is best.

Space

You’re going to need to have room for whatever animal it is you choose to have as your family pet. In most cases, the larger the animal, the more space it will need. If you opt for a big dog, it’s going to need more room to move around in – inside and out – than a smaller one. However, don’t assume that getting a small animal like a mouse means you don’t need much space; mice and other similar creatures may be small, but they have equipment that needs room. Even if they only have a cage, that will still take up a large amount of space, and where are you going to put it? Work all this out so that everyone is comfortable as soon as the pet arrives.