If you are thinking about bringing an animal into your home, it is important to thoroughly contemplate compatibility. Lifestyle, environment, and household dynamics can all affect how well an animal fits into your home. To help achieve the greatest possible connection with a new pet, we offer some of our tried-and-tested tips.

A Look At Lifespan

As many breeds of cats and dogs can live well over a decade (and sometimes two!), it’s worth assessing whether or not you can provide for them over the course of their entire lives. Other pets, including parrots and some turtles, can live much longer and deserve lifelong care and support. 

Certainly, raising a puppy or kitten is a meaningful experience as you have the chance to provide them with everything they need for a long, happy, healthy life. 

Assessing Your Lifestyle

There are many households that can provide constant companionship to an animal. Other pets spend long stretches of time alone.

We recommend taking a look at your personal and professional lifestyle. Do you work and/or travel a lot? Can you find the right type of care for your pet in your absence? Depending on your lifestyle, some pets may need to wait a little while before you can properly provide for them. 

The Cost of Pet Care

Between training, food, toys, gear, day care/boarding, and veterinary care, the cost of pet ownership can add up quickly. Wellness exams, dental cleanings, parasite prevention medications, and vaccinations can surprise an owner not fully prepared for the financial responsibility. 

It’s a good idea to create a pet care budget and stick to it as much as possible. Start researching pet insurance, and take stock of whether or not you can afford the many needs of a pet, especially in case of an emergency.

Space Requirements

Apartment dwelling can definitely accommodate pets of various sizes, and can be offset by numerous walks throughout the day and visits to local parks. Depending on what size of pet you want it’s necessary to take stock of your living space. Do you share a home or apartment with kids, other animals, and/or roommates? Many pets benefit from living in a house with a fenced in yard, and this can make the needs for consistent bathroom breaks and exercise times much easier to satisfy.

Choosing the Right Pet

Once you have a handle on what species, breed, size, age, gender, and personality you’re looking for, you can start to refine your search. Do you or someone you live with have any allergies? If you aren’t able to address the many needs of a young animal, consider adopting an adult or senior cat or dog. 

Lastly, if a cat or dog isn’t in the cards for you at this moment, there are other options for pet lovers. Pocket pets, birds, and other exotics may be a great match for your lifestyle and home environment. 

Please let our team know if you have any questions or concerns about pet ownership and compatibility. We are always here to help you at Parkside Animal Health.