Is Now a Good Time to Get a New Dog?
Thinking about getting a new dog or puppy? We’re ALL FOR IT!
The excitement of bringing a new pet home those first few days..oh, that’s the good stuff.
But before you rush to get your next pet, it’s important to take a second, slow down and really assess if this is the best time for you and your family. Pets are a lifetime commitment and, even though you can’t predict the future, it’s important that you make sure you can always care for them well.
What You Need to Take Into Account Before Getting a New Pet
Time
Pets take up a lot of time on the regular, and that’s not considering the amount of time it will take to get your new pet acclimated to your home!
A new pet will need time to learn the new environment.
A new pet will need time to adjust to a routine.
A new pet will need time to get to know each family member and become comfortable with other pets or children.
You’ll need the time you need to grieve the loss of a pet before getting a new one.
Money
Buying a dog costs money, whether you’re adopting or not. You’ll also need to invest in some basic equipment and necessities. For example, a new dog will need bedding, bowls, a crate, collars, leashes, ID tags, and 37 other things you’ll want to buy at the pet store.
Want more details on all the things you need for a puppy specifically? Here are 7 must-have products every puppy parent needs.
You’ll also need to budget monthly for their caretaking. Food, toys, groomers, vets…they all cost money. If you don’t have extra money to spare at the end of the month, can you really afford another pet?
Patience
Even the most well- behaved, cuddly fur ball will require some extra TLC and patience from their new human! Puppies generally have more energy than adult dogs, so you’ll need to consider your pet’s age and energy levels before committing to them.
We all know life can be stressful. If you’re new on a job, about to move, or going through any other major life event that increases your stress levels, you might not have the patience to train or bond with a new pet. And that’s okay! Maybe you should wait until Life has settled down.
Catering to individual needs
Every pet is unique. Some pets need regular, professional grooming. Others don’t. Some pets will need to be walked 3+ times a day. Others don’t. Some pets have medical conditions that must be consistently monitored. Others don’t.
Finding the right service provider—whether a groomer, dog trainer, dog walker, or veterinarian —it’s good to consider your prospective pet’s needs and find folks to help you in advance of bringing your new pet home. P.S. Many providers have waitlists, so you can get ahead!
Space
Is there extra living space inside and outside your home? Different species and breeds need different amounts of space, and younger pets often need more room to play than the sleepier, cuddlier older pets.
Before choosing a new pet consider, where will they relax and hang out? Eat their meals? Go to the bathroom? It’s a good idea to research which types of pets might do best with what you have available.
Having a fenced yard is really convenient, but doesn’t eliminate the need for walks. And also consider whether the fence is high enough–and low enough–to prevent escapes.
Commitment
When you choose to take on a new pet, your life will never be the same again! This can be an amazing thing, but it can also be stressful at times. Consider your level of commitment to what it will take to keep your pet happy and healthy - and the lifestyle changes you’d like to make and those you’d rather not.
How did you know it was the right time for a new pet? Let me know on the facebook page or hit reply here.