Finding Right Pet

Nothing is more exciting than searching for the right pet to fit your lifestyle. Summer winding down and the start of school is a few weeks away. This is a time when pet lovers are considering getting a new companion pet.

Getting to know and fall in love with a new, lovable companion pet and welcoming them into your life can be a rewarding experience.  Likely to go smoother if you put some forethought into it. Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment that requires us to seriously consider our needs, lifestyle, and resources.

When looking to adopt the right pet, often the first thing we notice is their appearance. We might take into account their size, coat, and any obvious physical characteristics. However, there are factors beneath the surface that can determine whether the pet will be a good match for us.

Right Pet Your Situation

Ask yourself honestly how much time, money, and energy you are ready to devote to your pet.

Being a responsible pet owner goes beyond love. It sometimes involves sacrifices or changes in lifestyle, and it is a lifetime commitment. Of course, sometimes there are factors beyond our control that may necessitate finding our pet a new home. In that case, organizations, like Get Your Pet, can help to find the perfect new home for your pet.

When it comes to choosing the right pet for your lifestyle, it’s important to consider factors such as energy level, dietary needs, required training, common medical issues, and proper environment. These can all have an impact on your pet’s health and happiness, as well as your ability to properly care for them.

Right Pet’s Energy 

Pet’s energy level can be a critical determinant of whether or not fits your lifestyles will be compatible. Higher-energy dogs are usually best suited for someone who lives an active lifestyle or is able to take frequent walks. Lower-energy dogs, however, typically do well under the care of a person who enjoys a lot of downtime or a working professional who spends daytime hours away from home. Most dogs require 30 minutes to two hours of exercise per day, though this depends on the breed, age, and overall health of the dog. While cats can spend as much as 14 hours a day sleeping, engaging them in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes per day is usually recommended.

Right Pet Temperament

Like people, all animals have unique personalities and temperaments that are displayed in their habits or behavior. While some dogs are more outgoing, social, and crave attention, others can be more laid back, calm, or even shy. It’s important that the pet feels comfortable in its new home, so consider what your needs are and what type of environment the pet will be living in. For example, dogs or cats that are more low maintenance, patient, friendly, and gentle will usually make good family pets. On the other hand, more active, sensitive, or protective dogs usually do the best to live with one individual who understands and accepts their needs.

Dietary or Training Requirements

Also, consider dietary requirements based on age, size, and breed, as well as any formal training requirements. While many common breeds of dogs and cats require minimal or basic training, some may require more advanced or specialized training. This is particularly true with hunting dogs, service dogs, or high-maintenance breeds that have an intrinsic desire to work.

Common Pet Medical Issues

While there is no guarantee, certain breeds of dogs and cats tend to share a propensity for developing particular medical issues. When looking to adopt a pet, it will be important to research the types of medical problems, if any, that are common among the breed of dog you’re considering. You’ll also want to consider things like lifespan, cost of any related surgeries, ongoing care or preventative maintenance, or other unforeseen events that could arise as a result of medical troubles. Don’t just assume you can deal with a medical issue if and when it arrives—be prepared and proactive.

Be Honest

Ask yourself honestly how much time, money, and energy you are ready to devote to your pet. Likely be times when you need to travel and leave your pet at home. Be sure to check out Pet Sitting options in your local area.

Being a responsible pet owner goes beyond love. It sometimes involves sacrifices or changes in lifestyle, and it is a lifetime commitment. Of course, sometimes there are factors beyond our control that may necessitate finding our pet a new home. In that case, organizations, like, Get Your Pet can help to find the perfect new home for your pet.