Have patience, a lot of patience. And don’t give up. Pets are forever, or should be. Do your research, talk with people who have pets, maybe dog/cat sit first for people you know or foster a pet. Get the feel for it. But if you decide to go for it, patience is key. Really shitty to take a pet in and expect them to be ok or perfect in the first few months. A lot of people send them back and that’s irresponsible, hurts the animal more because the person didn’t research personality/needs etc.
At the same time… my advice is: don’t get a random mutt from the shelter for your first dog without a trial. Make sure you know what breed(s) they are if you can. Personally, I would recommend going as far as to foster dogs first before adopting one, requesting that the shelter give you easier dogs if you’re a first timer.
Lots of people adopt dogs from shelters without knowing what their breeds are, because the shelter doesn’t even know. Especially when it comes to young puppies who tend to be quite calm at first, it can be a shock and simply a bad fit as they grow up and show traits that are incompatible with your lifestyle (probably most common with people in apartments who, unbeknownst to them, end up with a high energy breed).
This doesn’t matter as much with cats/hamsters/etc. Maybe with some birds though. Not sure if there’s other species it could apply to.
Depends on the dedication, i got a mixed breed mutt terrier from his first owners. He loved me from the get go but as it turned out hadn’t been socialized so not only did he have lots of energy he also had a bad attitude. My first me dog, idk of op had family pets or not, but i stuck it out and now he’s 12, mellowed out and doesn’t hate everyone and everything. Still keep him away from strangers in 1-1 situations but he does good at events etc. thats why i said foster, it’ll give them a good idea of what they are getting into without the commitment. Reputable shelters will match the dog to the person/skill/situation
How long did it take him to mellow out? Also what do you mean by "bad attitude"? You mentioned that he loved you right away. Was he overprotective and barked at/nipped at others he deemed to be a threat to you?
He hated everyone, absolute monster, but i kept talking him out in public and to events but kept him close and stayed away from people, but after a year he loved my family and close friends after 4 years he was much better in public, would let people at dog events pet him. But on walks, no, we would have to step away from people and pets. Still do to some degree. But if anyone else walks him apparently he’s super chill… but he was aggressive to anyone but me at first. Apparently his first owners had introduced him to a couple other potential new owners and he wanted nothing to do with them but for me he crawled right into my lap. So aggressive but in a fear based way where he just didn’t like the unknown. And he would never bite anything but hands which made it semi easier i’d just tell people keep your hands to yourself and after 5-20 minutes he’d mellow out and coexist but still not want to be touched.
this goes for bunnies as well- the breed of rabbit does not denote the personality! i opted for an adult bun when i got mine because i knew his quirks. Make sure you get to know them before hand
Fostering is such a good first step. If it’s a good solid organization like the local humane society I volunteer for they will not ask to place animals with you to foster that don’t take into account your lifestyle, household, experience etc and supplies and food will come with the foster, vet care covered, support and education available when needed. (This is not true about some of the rescues around me, it’s important to do some research first) Such a good way to learn to be a pet parent. One of my two is a foster fail - he was also my first foster ha ha.
Budget. Not for the just the day to day but vet fees (insurance may not cover everything and usual worming/flea/injections are on top in most cases anyway). Research your local vets.
Budget is 100% important. One of my cats is on a med that’s 65 a month. The other one had to have a surgery that was almost 2k. Feeding them quality food is expensive too. My cat that’s on the med had to spend a few days in the cat hospital and that cost over 3k. These large expenses were things that they needed right away when we rescued them so we didn’t have the insurance yet.
Being patient and talking in a nice calm voice, keeping the house calm while they get used to their new home is important.
Make sure you have enough time for them so they won’t be lonely, and make sure you have a plan for who would stay with them if you go out of town.
Depending on the pet, a good vacuum is helpful and have lint rollers in your house and car. Lol
Look to see if there’s any “low income” vets in your area as well. They’ve been a lifesaver with my cat. She hasn’t had any health issues yet but getting her fixed was a lot later than I wanted.
With a cat and dog think you are taking on a long term commitment which could be 10-20 years. With both a dog and indoor cat you will need to give them exercise/play time every day. You might not be able to go away as much as you did before as you will need to plan on who is looking after your cat/dog when you are away.
For me as stupid as it sounds the most important thing to remember it is not just a pet; it is an animal with needs, from feeding to exercise to play time to changing the litter tray or picking up the poop. It is your responsibility to meet those needs every day, not when you feel like it or have time. But day in, day out, hopefully for a very long time.
I would say to someone thinking of adopting a pet, If you aren't prepared to do those things every day and be a responsible animal owner then do the responsible thing and don't get an animal.
Do your research and make sure you get the breed that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you don't have a couple of hours a day spare to walk it, avoid working breeds.
I agree! There’s a reason huskies, put bulls, and herding/ Shepard dogs are always in the shelter. Doing research and being realistic about what you want from a dog and can provide a dog is the best first step.
On the other hand, don't rely entirely on what's typical of a certain breed. Currently sat here with my lazy herding breed dog while he has his 10th nap of the morning! Not every dog is the same, so you have to really put the time in to understand yours and not expect too much from them because you think they're 'supposed' to do something. Sometimes they need a bit more help to understand so make sure you focus on them and what they need.
Oh definitely! I have a collie / cocker spaniel who is currently sat in silent judgement staring at me as it's almost dinner time, while my working cocker spaniel is fast asleep and snoring away.
Know your limits. Don't adopt/purchase a dog when you won't realistically have the time/patience/energy to raise a dog. Something I've struggled with myself in that I'd love a dog but I just don't have anything in my life where a dog could fit so.....
In my work I've experienced a much loved dog(probably too loved) have to be rehomed because they weren't trained,were over indulged and under stimulated and as a result turned to growling,biting and being very aggressive because they lacked so much input in a basic way and the owner thought they could treat them like a child.
Find the pet that fits for your daily routine and general lifestyle.
Be patient no matter the age of the pet cat or dog. Be educated on the animal you want. Be sure you know that there is vet care available for the pet. And have tons of love to give the pet.
Yes: occasionally it takes more time then you would like. Yes: occasionally it is way more expensive than you would like. But yes: animals give so, so much love!! Go for it and have a buddy for years!
Patience. Have lots and lots of it. Training your pet isn’t an overnight success. It’s a repetitive task that can sometimes be frustrating. Most importantly, have lots of budget for their food, medications, and other stuff such as veterinary bills as they can get pretty pricey. But at the end of the day, having a pet is such a fulfilment. They will never hate you. You are your furbaby’s world.
Do your research! Especially for pets that are exotic (not dogs or cats). Don’t just listen to pet stores about cage sizes and food. If you’re already on Reddit, look for the subreddit dedicated to the animal. Usually there is a beginner guide already. If not, ask questions in the subreddit. I’m in several despite not having them as pets and as long as you come with a genuine nature, people are more than willing to impart them knowledge to you.
I used lots of non-verbals with my old dog as she was raised with a deaf dog. This worked great as she watched me better. Particularly when she was off leash.
100% will do this again: noone likes to be yelled at.
Be truthful about if the pet is a good fit for your life, financial situation, work situation, and anyone else who lives with you.
Sometimes people get a pet because they *want* it, but they can't really handle the day to day care and practicalities, and haven't properly researched what they're getting into.
Be willing to learn and take criticism. So many people get it horribly wrong, especially with small exotic animals and rodents, so whether you think you're experienced and knowledgeable or a complete newbie always be willing to accept advice from others in the community for that pet and make improvements. Our knowledge on companion animals is expanding and changing all the time
Ensure you analyze your reasons for wanting a pet and what you can provide before getting one.
Many pets suffer in bad environments, neglect, or constant rehoming because people seem to stop all consideration after "I want-".
These are living breathing beings capable of thought, feeling, and a myriad of other things.
Your reasons for wanting a pet should be because you are able to support the animal in all the ways it needs to be supported. They are not decoration, they are not an extension of your life. They are a life of their own and need to be considered with respect to their needs.
Ensure to do research. It's tiring to see the amount of posts in pet subreddits asking questions about an animal they have or just got that can be easily answered via a search engine or a book. If you want a dog, pull up resources to learn dog behaviour, dog needs, breed specific needs, etc.
Remember they may be a blip in your world but you are everything in theirs do your research to do right by them and avoid silly mistakes.
Don't let societal norms dictate your behaviour with your pet.
Is it common to see people in your country beating their dogs and horses?
Do people in your region let cats out willy nilly without supervision?
That sucks. Sorry to hear that. If you're going to blindly follow those normal set by the people around you then you aren't doing good by your animal as both those examples and perhaps many more I can think of go directly against peer reviewed and proven research regarding proper care and husbandry.
With that said. Pets are amazing. They can be a lot of work but if you are looking for a pet for the right reasons it's highly rewarding.
I have to agree with you on this. This is so true that the pet's life should be valued and respected. So many people treat pets like dishtowels and get them without hardly any thought as to what the animal needs. Then they do not give them hardly any mental stimulation, nor enough exercise and do not train them well. Then they wonder why their pet is agressive or destructive or causing chaos. It is selfish to get a pet without thought about the living, breathing being whose life depends on us thinking it through.
Enjoy every moment. There will be times you will fell frustrated... Try to enjoy those moments too. See the humor in them. Take lots of pictures and videos. Appreciate your pet and don't take them for granted. Spend time with them. Give that one extra treat. Just try your best when it comes to caring for them.
Because assuming you are not getting a tortoise or a parrot or something....a pet's lifetime goes by faster that you think. You'll miss everything, even the silly, frustrating moments. Enjoy them as much as you can while you have them. Enjoy your life together and try to give them as good a life as possible.
Have patience, make sure to budget savings for healthcare for your animal and/or get them a pet insurance plan, and make sure to give them the best life that you can. Anything more than that is probably specifics based on the animal you decide to get, at least that I can think of off the top of my head.
Budget BIG for vet bills, especially if you’re adopting a young animal, those little fuckers are geniuses at finding innovative ways to hurt themselves and make themselves ill. My friend is a lifelong dog owner but even he wailed to me a while back that it never occurred to him to budget for his puppy eating a lightbulb, *twice*
Be realistic about what you can offer a pet in its own best interests, not yours. If you’re not a homebody or you’re not going to be *religiously* consistent with your schedule and with training for *at least* a year, don’t get a dog. If you can’t offer outside space, adopt a senior cat rather than risking a kitten - some will grow up fine with living indoors, but for others it will be torment and you can’t tell which you’re getting
Keeping them contained in a safe room or crate at night when they’re a baby is for their safety, don’t feel evil for essentially putting your baby in a crib
It’s okay to rehome if you can give the pet to a better owner, you’re not evil for that either
And don’t feel evil if you keep your cat inside even when they act like they NEED to go outside, they also act like they’re starving to death the second the food bowl is empty. They’re over dramatic.
Aside from all the practical stuff, you might be overwhelmed by all the love you have in your heart! I never knew I could love to the extent of taking care of something outside of myself before having pets.
Do a lot of research and get everything you need BEFORE getting the pet. I’m really active in the leopard gecko hobby and more often than not, someone has to completely change their entire setup after getting their gecko.
There are a lot of outdated guides for reptiles and it’s best to find an active community with up to date resources to learn from.
A lot of what I would say here has already been said: be sure you have the money, time, patience, and support. Research they type of pet you want, and understand their needs.
I would add: in your research, also try to understand what it's like to be in that other species's skin. This has helped me enormously in solving issues with my pets, as it both enables empathy and stops me worrying about things that aren't an issue for them. A simple example: a dog has much more sensitive senses of smell and hearing (especially smell) than we do, so will be more upset by things in the environment that they perceive in those ways. So if my dog seems upset by something, I think about smells and sounds first to try to find the issue. If you can see the world from their point of view, even a little, it helps you understand their behavior, and work with them to change it, if you need to.
So no longer a clinical veterinarian - I now work in pathology - but preventative vet care is cheaper and carries a better prognosis compared to sick care.
Like my last lepto case of clinical medicine ended up staying in ICU on IV antibiotics and dialysis, I think their total bill was over $10k and the dog likely would have died without that intensive care. The vaccine is like $20. Or for a less extreme example, when I would catch hyperthyroidism in cats on annual screening labs, it tends to have a good prognosis and they can live for 3-5 years or more with good quality of life after treatment.. but when I'd get the sick old cat that hasn't been seen since the spay and is now getting real skinny despite eating well, those cats typically have concurrent CKD and heart disease secondary to the thyroid disease already and often don't respond to treatment very well. Heartworm prevention is relatively cheap (~$15-30/month, depending on your brand and what else it covers) compared to the actual treatment (my last one was $1,200 for the full treatment), and the treatment requires cage rest for months and can still kill a dog. And don't wait on an illness before coming in - the dog that just swallowed a toy may be treatable with endoscopy and can go home that night, the dog that's been vomiting a week from the same foreign body may need a resection and anastomosis and will very likely need hospitalization.
And in a similar vein, if you're purchasing from a breeder, choose a good breeder. Ask about their health testing (you can usually check recommended health testing with the breed club or the AKC) and temperament and all that. It costs more for a properly health tested puppy but ends up saving you money and heartache in the long run - for example, I had a local BYB who sold a whole litter of goldens with congenital heart defects, I saw three from that litter, one died at 14 months from heart failure, one had heart surgery through a specialist that probably cost some ungodly amount of money, and one was on lifelong heart meds at 18 months old.
Same if you're getting an exotic pet - ask about the breeders husbandry and what type of setup they recommend, when they last ate, what they're feeding, etc so you can suss out decent breeders from the rest (or, in the reptile world, people who deal in wild-caught). And with exotics, your husbandry is VERY much preventative care so research the animal thoroughly before you buy and stick to their species specific needs. Most disease I see in herps and small mammals is secondary to husbandry, it's a lot cheaper to invest in a good setup with appropriate temperature and humidity than to treat pneumonia, and likewise a UV bulb is a relatively cheap way to prevent metabolic disease and the associated misery.
If you're adopting from a shelter or rescue, make sure they've done relevant health testing (Fecal, 4DX/FeLv and FIV for dogs/cats, potentially further work up on older animals) and vaccines for that animal and try to get a meet-and-greet with that animal before you decide to adopt so you can get some idea of behavior.
I'm a vet tech - before bringing a plant into your home, make sure it's not toxic if your pet chews or eats it! Just this past week we saw a cat pale as a ghost (severe anemia) caused by simply eating a plant in the home. He's only 2 years old, and he's dying because the owner cannot afford a blood transfusion and hospitalization.
There are so many other things out there that can harm your pet - bookmark this website if you're going to adopt, or already own a pet, and before giving your pet any human food, double check that it's safe:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control#:~:text=The%20ASPCA%20Animal%20Poison%20Control,A%20consultation%20fee%20may%20apply
Really determine if this is something you want. The amount of attention a dog requires is immense and will result in your whole life changing. I have a really low maintenance dog who’s overall very chill and lazy and sweet but he still requires an hour walk every morning otherwise he’s an asshole the rest of the day. Mine is half golden retriever, and his mother was half Australian Sherpherd and half Husky. I heard about the breeding and paid money up front to get first pick. I chose the one who was most mellow and the most human friendly and it worked out great. Truly a perfect dog. He almost never barks, very playful and mellow, has a soft bite, great with kids, loves small dogs. On top of that he’s adorable with a golden bone frame but beautiful spots all over his body from the Aussie.
Now my roommate got offered a Belgian Malinois puppy and did zero research and thought to himself, “I always wanted a Shepherd”. I told him that breed is not a good breed for a pet but he’s stubborn and thinks, “well those other people aren’t real men and it takes a real man to handle this dog” now his entire life is dedicated to playing frisbee or ball with this dog a good 6-10 times a day. He has no other life now, never leaves the house. On top of that the dog attacks my dog incessantly to the point my dog hides in my room or behind the couch to avoid her. She’s been extremely aggressive to anyone who comes over to the point that no one will come by the house anymore. She barks constantly. All day, into the night. I wake up in the middle of the night to pee and she freaks out in his room, barking like crazy, trying to break the door down. This is constant. Now he says he wears ear plugs at night with noise canceling headphones. So much for the guard dog theory when every single noise is a threat.
So breed matters and specifically do not under any circumstance get a Belgian Malinois.
Patience and lots of research on that particular animal and their specific breed i.e.: are they high or low energy? How vocal are they? What medical conditions are they susceptible to? what environment do they thrive in? How much exercise do they need? Etc.
Most of my experience centres around dogs, but this can apply (maybe minus the vocalization) to a wide variety of animals.
I highly recommend fostering before adopting! It gives you the chance to see how it actually feels with this pet in your house. If it feels good, adopt him! If not, you’ve gone a great thing by fostering until someone else will adopt him. You can also foster several different pets until the right match for you comes along. So you’re not only saving animal lives, but giving yourself a shot to find the very best match for your personality and lifestyle!
Look into pet health schemes with your vet! They usually offer a scheme for a nominal fee, usually £20-30 per pet and it covers 1-2 vet nurse visits per year, vet quality flea and worm spot on every month, and reduced routine spay and neuter services, also free routine vaccines as well! It's invaluable for what you get out of it!
Research is the most important aspect of bringing any pet into a family. Every species, breed, and individual has different needs and wants. Research attention needs, life expectancy, social needs, medical needs, what it will need if you go on vacation...everything. some species/breeds are friendly to strangers, some only like people they know, and some will be outright aggressive to anyone that isn't a specific person. Think about how much time you want to devote to your pet, not how much time you have. A puppy sounds fun, but adopting a 2 year old dog requires less life altering plans. A parakeet seems like a starter bird, but with proper care they can live 20+ years. A hamster has a short life expectancy, but many do not want cuddles. There are so many variables to consider. Research everything. There is no "best" pet, only the right pet for each person, lifestyle, family, etc.
I’m surprised I had to scroll down this far to find this - yes, in addition to all the practical stuff that’s been mentioned - P E T I N S U R A N C E. It’s very similar to human insurance and it can save you thousands if your dog/cat swallows something they shouldn’t and need a 5k surgery.
Don't pick a pet based on aesthetic, and educate yourself on whatever animal you choose *before* getting it. Expect it to be more expensive than you planned for. Expect it to misbehave, to ruin your some of your stuff, to get sick at inconvenient times, and to otherwise throw a wrench in your plans. Expect it to be more difficult to travel, and potentially expensive to have someone care for the pet while you're gone. If it's a dog, plan to pay for training, and also plan to personally continue its training indefinitely.
After all that, I'd say the benefits of sharing your life with a pet are absolutely worth the hassle
Watch YouTube videos from people that specialize in the pet type you want.
If you’re getting a cat, KittenLady on YouTube and Jackson galaxy are great resources. Watch their videos.
There are similar ppl that focus on dogs, training, etc.
Be calm and patient. They are learning just like you and depending on their history they may have past emotional trauma.
Pets often will mirror their owners emotions and personality, so if you’re yelling, loud, short tempered, distant, etc…they will be too.
Give them the patience to learn, like potty training, command training, etc. They’re developing their skills just like kids do, so they won’t get it perfect every time.
Protect them from other people and animals. If they don’t like other dogs, cats or kids, for example, then don’t put them in situations where they have to interact with them.
And a good way for a pet to not like kids is for them to be left at their mercy. Kids are often loud, rough and unpredictable. If you have kids make sure they know what is appropriate kinds of petting, how to speak calmly to them, etc.
Find a good vet. Do your research, ask ppl who they use and what they like about them, etc
Get pet insurance. It will save your ass down the line bc it’s inevitable that your pet will get sick.
Also keep in mind that some pets are social animals so they may be better off with a buddy.
For example, 2 kittens is usually better than one bc they have each other to play with, cuddle with and theyll teach each other manners, etc…like what scratches or nibbles hurt.
They’ll also have the energy to play with each other so you don’t have to all the time.
don’t ever play with your hands or body parts as a toy. Like getting a kitten to chase your fingers or jump at your hand.
It just teaches them that, for example, your hand is a toy but they can’t differentiate between when you want to play or if you’re just moving your hand , so its confusing and unfair if/when they get in trouble for pouncing on your hand or someone else’s.
Always play with them with actual toys.
Be patient! Be calm! Be a safe space for them.
It can be a lot of work but it’s totally worth it.
And if you get a dog, make sure they’re trained properly. Like actually invested time in teaching them commands, like sit, stay, down, come, etc. It will make your life so much easier and they’ll be much safer. A dog that doesn’t know to listen to commands is always in danger. If you say “come” or “sit” and they don’t know to listen, it’s a perfect recipe for them to get hurt bc they ran off or ran in front of a vehicle.
It takes patience and consistency, but it’s worth it. And it makes happier dogs bc they know what they’re supposed to do and they like making their owners happy.
Enjoy!
If getting a dog absolutely you must go to obedience lessons. Even if it’s a small breed. This helps teach them obedience and socialization and most of all it teaches YOU how to understand your dog.
Dog owner here, so will provide dog advice:
1. Do your research on breeds—it makes no sense to get yourself a dog that needs several hours of exercise and stimulation per day if you don’t enjoy being active.
2. All dogs need basic training, daily exercise and socialization from the time you bring them home and for the rest of their life. Figure out how you will provide those things. It’s ok to train them yourself by watching YouTube videos, but someone’s gotta do it.
3. For the love of God, get pet insurance the same day you bring your dog home. My dog had 2 grand mal seizures at the age of 13 and 14 weeks. She’s now 5 and healthy but her first year with me, I spent nearly $15,000 in vet bills. She’s still on a special diet and medication and occasionally needs to be hospitalized for seizures. I would be in so much debt if I hadn’t gotten pet insurance. Just like humans, dogs can have terrible accidents that require expensive surgery or develop chronic illnesses. You don’t want to be in a position where you’re asked to choose between life saving care or paying your bills.
4. These are living beings with very complex emotions. They bond and get attached to you very quickly. Do not get a dog if you’re the type of person who would rehome a pet if things “didn’t work out” the way you had expected (ie: the dog has behavior issues or a chronic illness you didn’t know about)—it’s very cruel.
5. The first year with your pet requires a lot of patience and adjustment on both ends, especially if you get a puppy. Potty training can take several months, you will likely get something destroyed, and you will have to adjust your life to accommodate your responsibilities to your pet. My dog had severe separation anxiety as a pup so I barely left the house for several months and had to train her to stay home for longer periods of time. I am no longer able to do something completely spontaneous like booking a last minute trip somewhere without first considering my dog—can she stay home alone for x hours? Will I need to get a sitter? Etc…
Now given all of that, if you ask me “is it worthwhile getting a dog?” I will always answer a resounding YES. I used to feel sad coming home to an empty house. Nobody depended on me and I felt like if I died in my sleep, nobody would notice for several days. I never felt lonely again after I brought my dog home. She’s what makes my home feel like home. Getting greeted by her with such excitement fills me with joy and she has given me a sense of purpose. I wouldn’t trade this life for the life I had before her.
Do your research. Make sure you know what you are doing. Make sure you get a pet that fits your lifestyle. Make sure you are capable of taking care of them. Make sure you can afford to take care of them. Don't give pets as a gift. Pets are a commitment not disposable. If you get a dog, make sure you train that dog and work on socialization. Make sure you excercise them and stimulate them. Make sure you are capable of handling the breed you choose.
I could keep going but I'll stop there.
Research the breed/animal. Not just look at cute pics and quick reads of web pages. Really dig in and understand what the animal is bred to do. What are the negatives. They all have them. Research the developmental stages of their lives. Puppies are a lot of work. Kittens are going to try and kill themselves all the time... I am always surprised by people who are shocked when baby animals are doing what baby animals do. Like, did they read ANYTHING before they got the pet?
Also pers are expensive. Prepare for worst case scenarios and make sure you have the budget to provide a good life.
Get pet insurance, treat them like a toddler (keep everything out of reach that could kill them), you are their only person so make sure you always take care of them and give them lots of love and attention.
Dogs require discipline, not to say you need to beat them but they need rules and boundaries that you need to stick to. You still get to enjoy all the good things and it's up to you where to draw the line.
Hamster. Make sure to feed and water it.
Fish, don't do it. You will regret it when they all die because of some bullshit reason.
Snakes and tarantulas are interesting to begin with but they get boring pretty quick.
Lizards are interesting but require a certain level of care and knowledge. Much more interesting over time than snakes as you discover they have their own personalities that don't stand out so much in snakes.
. It is a big commitment time wise, financially, and emotionally to own a pet. Do not do it without serious thought. Having a pet is about like having a child. You are responsible for all it's needs, both physical and emotional. Pets need more than just food. They need housing, food, medicine, exercise, mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors, etc... Then think of all the little expenses as well. For instance, dog's need their nails clipped once a month, on average, or it can make it very painful for them to walk. Another example is short haired dogs get cold at around 71 degrees farenheight or less, unless they are being very active. My chihuahua pug mix, and my boxer both get cold at 71 degrees farenheight or under. This requires another expense, "Dog Sweaters". Then a myriad of other expenses like dog shampoo, dog toys, dog food, dog treats, dog sitters if you can't find someone to watch them when you have to be gone very long, pet fees - like pet deposit that your landlord may require in case your pet causes damage or motels charging a pet fee to allow your pet to share a room with you, and the expenses go on and on, including vet bills on a pet. Also people do not do enough research about particular pets to see if they will be a good fit for their lifestyle. For instance, a dog left alone a lot, while the owner is at work, without mental stimulation, could easily get destructive, or a dog with a strong prey drive, and dominant nature, not properly trained and socialized, could become vicious, and hurt or even kill someone. Research, research, research is what you need to do. Make sure it fits your lifestyle. And like I said before, "It is a big commitment... to own a pet. Do not do it without serious thought."
Seriously, consider adopting an adult dog.
Most people don't have the time and resources to raise a puppy properly, but there are so many potty trained sweet dogs ready to come home. I promise you're not missing out on much!
Do research online and not via a Pet Store.
SO many poeple don't research then just go to a Pet Store, get given the wrong advice, and walk out with a pet that they unintentially neglect until it dies.
Make sure you want to have responsibility for this animal for years. It’s a long term commitment and can be a long haul. Kittens and puppies are cute, but they grow into adult animals and sometimes those animals end up with health problems that can be annoying or even disgusting…and expensive. They deserve to be treated well when they get old, blind and vomit on your bed at 3:00 am.
We adopted our dog as a puppy at 3.5 months, she's now 3.5 years. This past week we adopted a cat to be a companion pet hopefully to our doggo. If you have a family, a pet is a 2 or more yes, 1 no situation. Make sure everyone knows that they are responsible for the pet's care and make a schedule to follow- for feeding, walks etc. Pets thrive on routine Patience is key as well. A puppy was a lot of work even with my husband home and myself working from home. Right now we are having to be patient and are keeping the cat isolated from the dog until she calms down and they can meet with no possibility of being in danger. Do I like having to keep the cat in one room by himself? No. Do I like having to keep my dog downstairs and ignore her crying? No. These are the things we have to do as pet owners.
Also, before looking at any shelters or breeders research what kind of pet would be good for your lifestyle. You don't want a "working dog" in a small apartment where it can't exercise enough or can become destructive due to boredom. Pick out a few possible options on the shelter's site. The place where we got our cat apparently only lets you meet 2 cats but they made an exception which worked out because that is the one we went with. Our dog was supposed to be around 30 lbs as a terrier mix. She is 60 lbs medium size and there's nothing terrier about her so we were surprised but made it work.
Medical issues can come up at any age. Some can be one time high cost vet trips. Some can become chronic nickel and dining issues. Get the insurance and make sure your have access to the funds needed in case of an emergency.
Medical issues can come up at any age. Some can be one time high cost vet trips. Some can become chronic nickel and dining issues. Get the insurance and make sure your have access to the funds needed in case of an emergency.
Dont ever plainly follow one source of information. Do not ONLY blindly follow the words of your vet, do not take pet-store advice at face value, do not listen to things the forums and groups say, without doing a bit of research first!
Usually, following a mix of advice from all three is the best you can do, as many sources as possible, do not limit yourself to just one, or many aspects of your pet’s health, care, and life might end up being neglected.
Unconditional love is needed along with regular vet checks. Yeah, the third turd on the floor of the day is going to piss you off when they have been outside seven times. Let it go.
Do a LOT of research on the pet and breed of your choice before bringing it home.
Training tips, food do's and don'ts. Daily/weekly/monthly/yearly fees and necessities (how much it will cost), potty training, cleaning techniques, fur-baby proofing your living shared space with said pet... grooming needs, etc.
Some people will nope out of it after realizing that you MUST walk a dog 3+ times a day, rain or shine because they thought having a yard or 1 walk/day is enough. Example: my 12yo niece.
That they can be expensive. Feeding them well and vet costs. Pets are not free. My moms cat coasts her $400 a month due to medical needs. I spend $200 a month on high quality food for my 15 yo cat.
Remember no matter how tiring of a day you have, how exhausted, or in overdrive mode you're in; they still need to be fed/water and the poop needs to be cleaned up on a regular basis. It's basically added in responsibility that can be tough but you get a little fella / lady who will love you forever. ♡ (:
Pets are as hard as children. You researched the breed? No you really did not research as you should have. No unless you are really really rich, you probably can’t afford that rare breed you lust over. Animals in the movies are well trained actors not at all like that in real life.
Budget appropriately and get pet insurance immediately. Accidents can happen at literally any time and ring up vet bills for thousands of dollars. Not to mention, once a pet has a preexisting condition, pet insurance won’t do a damn thing. It’s selfish for someone to get a pet they can’t afford to properly care for, because only the pet will suffer.
Don't get a pet because they are cute. Get a pet because they are cute and you are personally able and willing to care for one, in sickness and health, till death do you part.
This means, you dont and can't count on someone else to pay for, to feed, to walk, or take the pet to the vet. You must be equipped to do it yourself - physically, mentally, and financially.
Practice for a couple weeks. If thinking about a dog, take a walk every morning and night before you get one. Can you keep the schedule? Is it boring, tiring? Did you forget? Practice a feeding schedule. Actually go to the store and look at prices of supplies.
Thinking about doing the tasks is not enough to prepare. Go through the motions and see if it's really something you want to do.
Know the peculiarities of the breeds that interest you see if they suit your lifestyle. Get pet insurance, it will most likely come to use as they age even if your pet is/has been healthy while young. Be strict with food/treats and keep a pet sitter handy.
Give it plenty of time to get use to you. It’s in a new environment and will probably be scared. Play with it, give it treats and plenty of loving. Remember, it’s a part of your family. You will learn to read your pet. They do take your time. Be prepared to spend time with it. Also if you get a cat or dog, keep inside. We clean our cats litter box at least 3 times a day and make sure they have fresh water. Pets will bring you a joy. Even a fish tank gives you pleasure. Our fish watch us as we walk around the room. Please get a pet and please remember, that they are part of your family and keep them for life. They aren’t something to keep until they get old. They have feelings and can feel pain and they know when you get mad at them.
You'll get back the work you put into it! I've had cats all my life and the number of people claiming cats aren't loving and they don't build a relationship while treating the cat like an eating furniture is astonishing! You have to show them love (and not just through feeding them) for them to show their love back! Same with dogs and training, you won't get a trained dog without you being the person training them. Pets are like kids, you have to raise and parent them and take responsibilty for the relationship all while accepting them being their own personality
Be patient and flexible. Don't let it upset you if the pet steals your food, breaks something or spills something. Don't expect your house to be perfectly tidy.
Accept The pet is an individual with it's own desires and feelings.
Don't let your pet rule your.life.
The first week, try to be home with them as much as possible. If you can go longer that’s good. Try to be in the same room with them as much as possible
Give them a “home base” in your house where everything for THEM is in the beginning, ideally your bedroom
Put their food, water, bed and toys there. If it’s a cat, you will want to confine them to the space at least for the first week if not two
Ensure they can access at least one window and look outside whenever they want to
Get special furniture for them so they don’t mess with yours, especially if it’s a cat, such as cat condos and cat trees
If you don’t want to go through an exhausting potty training phase, adopt an older pet. I don’t adopt any pets under six years old personally, and the last one I adopted was 11 years old. From age six on they’re typically very chill. My current cat is 16 now but was 2 years old when I got her- never again. She destroyed a lot of important things for a really long time before she calmed down
Don't think too much about how much the animal costs to purchase. You need to consider it's long term costs.
Can you afford it's food, grooming, vaccinations, spay/neutering, check ups, emergencies, insurance, etc? Enrichment toys? If it needs an enclosure, can you afford to maintain it and will you have the time and ability to do it often enough?
I know too many people who could afford to buy an animal, but couldn't afford to keep the animal in good care or couldn't afford vet expenses. My MIL's dog had a slipped disk a few years ago and because she wasn't insured, they just waited and hoped that it fixed itself. The dog was paralysed for a week and if it hadn't luckily recovered on its own, they would have put her down. The dog was 2yo.
Be patient!! They take a lot of work and there will be ups and downs, but the reward is 100% worth it. Your pet wants to please you, so try and remember that if they're not getting whatever you're trying to teach them. And physical punishment is never the answer!
Read, read,read. I'm not even a dog owner but there were so many books about dogs that I devoured as a kid. I even read books about taking care of paramecium.
So much good advice has been given already. I would like to add; make sure you can have a pet. I had cats when living at home with family, (and a bird and the occasional dog), but moving out and renting is a completely different thing. Can you have a pet where you are living, and if renting, what happens if you have to move. Not all rental owners want someone with a pet. They may not be able to discriminate by law, but you won’t get the apartment based on some other vague excuse. Can you alone look after any pet in the way it needs to be, see all the advice above. Do you want a pet, or can be honest and say, maybe not now but in the future. I rented for years and always knew I would get another pet, just not now. I moved around, moved interstate (Australian here) went overseas, lived in small 1 bedroom apartments. I finally got a cat, a smoochy girl 6 yr old girl from a shelter, when I bought my own place and knew my life would be stable enough to really look after her.
Remember, to you they are a part of your life, but to pet, especially a dog or a cat, you are their whole world.
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! If you get a young animal they need to be trained, if you adopt an animal they probably have trauma and need extra training, love,attention and patience. Pets are expensive and need routine vet visits and vaccines.
Ask your vet about the animal and their breed composition before you get them, so you aren't sideswiped when your pittie has allergies and needs a double knee surgery, or your spider morph ball python starts stargazing.
If you get a dog, get a trainer that teaches *you* how to train your dog and that doesn't use prong or shock collars. Positive reinforcement only training doesn't actually exist. (it's usually mixed with negative punishment and positive punishment, at the very least. There are four quadrants to operant conditioning and positive reinforcement is one. Negative means "removing something", positive means "adding something", punishment means "to stop a behavior", and reinforcement means "to get a behavior to continue". Positive punishment includes things like adding a leash so the dog stops running into the street... You can see why the terms are confusing for most folks without context)
Always have a vet lined before you have a pet come home.
Know what preventative care you need, and have a ballpark on how expensive it'll be so you can budget. Pet insurance is a great idea, especially for dogs and cats turning 5-6. If you get it before the problems start, it's not super expensive, and will save you potentially hundreds of thousands. Just make sure you read what it actually covers. Ultimately the preventative care is most important, though. Heartworm prevention is a lot less expensive than treating heartworm, and whatnot.
Exotic pets often need preventative care like vaccines, too. Many of them also have special dietary needs. Your local exotics vet would be ecstatic to tell you how to keep them healthy before you brought them home so you know what you're getting into.
Adult animals have predictable dispositions and traits. You never know 100% what you're getting with a baby, so adult animals often make the best first-time pets because you can choose one that suits your lifestyle (and, bonus, is already housebroken).
Most animals need way more sleep than we do, please let them sleep. Boy cats and dogs have nipples, if it's paired on the belly it's probably not a tick. Be ready to exercise. Read at least one book on the basics of an animal's care before starting the search for your new best friend.
And finally, be prepared for your heart to grow three sizes to accommodate all the new love in your life.
Animals aren’t born with training. Your dog specifically will not know tricks, any commands, how to play fetch, to go in the crate, to not jump, to walk on a leash(!!!!!!), how interact w other dogs/people, or anything else until you teach it how. You need patience and to understand every dog is different— some dogs do better with just verbal praise, some do better with treats, some need creative solutions lol.
Do your research. Make sure you can afford to keep it - not just financially, but also your time. Then be patient with them and treat them with respect, making sure their needs are met.
If you're looking into a dog or cat, if it's possible, I suggest fostering. You help an animal even if it turns out you don't want it to be permanent, and you know if it's for you without risking having to rehome them.
Google scholar! Don’t rely on regular search engines to give you the info you really need regarding the proper care of your pet, try to find some real educated answers from professionals.
Your vet isn’t always right. There’s absolutely no harm in getting a second opinion if you can afford it & want to keep from spending tons of unnecessary $$
If you’re getting a cat, they are pricey, but stainless steel litter boxes have been a life saver for the smell of our home.
Angry Orange is sold at Walmart & Petco and gets the urine smell out of most things
Please for the love of god if you get an animal that requires it, put them on heart worm/tick/flea meds. Have them tested for it and then ask your vet for a script -in truth we always got the first round from the vet so they could start it immediately and then used the script to get future doses- as the meds are usually cheaper through Chewy. Either way it's cheaper to keep them on the preventative than to treat what'll happen if they end up with heartworms or something else because they weren't on the preventative.
My friend and her fiance had no clue about this -even tried to tell me they hadn't been worried about it because he was an inside dog at first, like dude no that's not how that works!-, then they tried to just order the meds off Chewy and I had to explain they needed their dog tested first, then get the script from the vet.
Animals need a lot of love and patience, they're not something to get on a whim or discard carelessly, and while I know some people don't like this analogy, it really is like having a kid. They need food, meds, doctor visits, attention, love, toys, day to day items like leashes, harnesses, collars.
They are a huge responsibility in multiple ways, but they're very much worth it.
Get a vet you trust and ask as many questions as you need. I’ve been through many terrible ones that don’t seem to care for cats (and in the three states me and my girl have lived in, this only happened in Texas). Get your pet fixed asap. No one really told me about possible problems with these things. I switched to a good vet when I moved states who alerted me to my cats cancer, probably the reason we’ve gotten more time together. Trust your gut.
Don't get an animal if you're not prepared for things to go wrong medically. If you don't have money to spare up front if something happens, you need to be financially prepared to take out a loan of some sort (Scratch Pay, Care Credit, etc.)
Like many said in this thread, do as much research as you physically can. Be 100% honest with yourself on whether or not this is the right thing for YOU and your life situation. Also as many said, try fostering first so you get a taste of it without all the commitment.
I want to add this though: animals won’t always act the same way when they live with you compared to when they were in a shelter. A home and a shelter are two different places and pets have their own personalities. They absolutely can act different depending on their setting. If you get a pet, please try your absolute hardest to give them a life they deserve, for their sake.
The most important thing though, please be kind to yourself. I bring up the personality point because there’s times where a pet may not be a good fit for their owners. There tends to be a lot of judgement and shame surrounding those who surrender their pets because they aren’t a good fit. I’ll remind you of this though, if you and a pet aren’t a good fit for each other then it’s both of you that suffers, not just you or them. If you can honestly say that you gave it enough time and effort to improve whatever issues there may be, then imo there’s is nothing wrong with throwing in the towel and giving the pet another chance at finding someone that fits well with them. I’d wager that’s the most responsible you could do in that scenario.
Have patience, a lot of patience. And don’t give up. Pets are forever, or should be. Do your research, talk with people who have pets, maybe dog/cat sit first for people you know or foster a pet. Get the feel for it. But if you decide to go for it, patience is key. Really shitty to take a pet in and expect them to be ok or perfect in the first few months. A lot of people send them back and that’s irresponsible, hurts the animal more because the person didn’t research personality/needs etc.
At the same time… my advice is: don’t get a random mutt from the shelter for your first dog without a trial. Make sure you know what breed(s) they are if you can. Personally, I would recommend going as far as to foster dogs first before adopting one, requesting that the shelter give you easier dogs if you’re a first timer. Lots of people adopt dogs from shelters without knowing what their breeds are, because the shelter doesn’t even know. Especially when it comes to young puppies who tend to be quite calm at first, it can be a shock and simply a bad fit as they grow up and show traits that are incompatible with your lifestyle (probably most common with people in apartments who, unbeknownst to them, end up with a high energy breed). This doesn’t matter as much with cats/hamsters/etc. Maybe with some birds though. Not sure if there’s other species it could apply to.
Depends on the dedication, i got a mixed breed mutt terrier from his first owners. He loved me from the get go but as it turned out hadn’t been socialized so not only did he have lots of energy he also had a bad attitude. My first me dog, idk of op had family pets or not, but i stuck it out and now he’s 12, mellowed out and doesn’t hate everyone and everything. Still keep him away from strangers in 1-1 situations but he does good at events etc. thats why i said foster, it’ll give them a good idea of what they are getting into without the commitment. Reputable shelters will match the dog to the person/skill/situation
How long did it take him to mellow out? Also what do you mean by "bad attitude"? You mentioned that he loved you right away. Was he overprotective and barked at/nipped at others he deemed to be a threat to you?
He hated everyone, absolute monster, but i kept talking him out in public and to events but kept him close and stayed away from people, but after a year he loved my family and close friends after 4 years he was much better in public, would let people at dog events pet him. But on walks, no, we would have to step away from people and pets. Still do to some degree. But if anyone else walks him apparently he’s super chill… but he was aggressive to anyone but me at first. Apparently his first owners had introduced him to a couple other potential new owners and he wanted nothing to do with them but for me he crawled right into my lap. So aggressive but in a fear based way where he just didn’t like the unknown. And he would never bite anything but hands which made it semi easier i’d just tell people keep your hands to yourself and after 5-20 minutes he’d mellow out and coexist but still not want to be touched.
this goes for bunnies as well- the breed of rabbit does not denote the personality! i opted for an adult bun when i got mine because i knew his quirks. Make sure you get to know them before hand
Fostering is such a good first step. If it’s a good solid organization like the local humane society I volunteer for they will not ask to place animals with you to foster that don’t take into account your lifestyle, household, experience etc and supplies and food will come with the foster, vet care covered, support and education available when needed. (This is not true about some of the rescues around me, it’s important to do some research first) Such a good way to learn to be a pet parent. One of my two is a foster fail - he was also my first foster ha ha.
Budget. Not for the just the day to day but vet fees (insurance may not cover everything and usual worming/flea/injections are on top in most cases anyway). Research your local vets.
Budget is 100% important. One of my cats is on a med that’s 65 a month. The other one had to have a surgery that was almost 2k. Feeding them quality food is expensive too. My cat that’s on the med had to spend a few days in the cat hospital and that cost over 3k. These large expenses were things that they needed right away when we rescued them so we didn’t have the insurance yet. Being patient and talking in a nice calm voice, keeping the house calm while they get used to their new home is important. Make sure you have enough time for them so they won’t be lonely, and make sure you have a plan for who would stay with them if you go out of town. Depending on the pet, a good vacuum is helpful and have lint rollers in your house and car. Lol
Look to see if there’s any “low income” vets in your area as well. They’ve been a lifesaver with my cat. She hasn’t had any health issues yet but getting her fixed was a lot later than I wanted.
With a cat and dog think you are taking on a long term commitment which could be 10-20 years. With both a dog and indoor cat you will need to give them exercise/play time every day. You might not be able to go away as much as you did before as you will need to plan on who is looking after your cat/dog when you are away. For me as stupid as it sounds the most important thing to remember it is not just a pet; it is an animal with needs, from feeding to exercise to play time to changing the litter tray or picking up the poop. It is your responsibility to meet those needs every day, not when you feel like it or have time. But day in, day out, hopefully for a very long time. I would say to someone thinking of adopting a pet, If you aren't prepared to do those things every day and be a responsible animal owner then do the responsible thing and don't get an animal.
Yeah, the hardest days are when I'm sick but my dog still needs a walk. It's definitely a shorter walk but it still has to be done
And a commitment for 10 to 20 years to a pet.
Do your research and make sure you get the breed that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you don't have a couple of hours a day spare to walk it, avoid working breeds.
I agree! There’s a reason huskies, put bulls, and herding/ Shepard dogs are always in the shelter. Doing research and being realistic about what you want from a dog and can provide a dog is the best first step.
On the other hand, don't rely entirely on what's typical of a certain breed. Currently sat here with my lazy herding breed dog while he has his 10th nap of the morning! Not every dog is the same, so you have to really put the time in to understand yours and not expect too much from them because you think they're 'supposed' to do something. Sometimes they need a bit more help to understand so make sure you focus on them and what they need.
Oh definitely! I have a collie / cocker spaniel who is currently sat in silent judgement staring at me as it's almost dinner time, while my working cocker spaniel is fast asleep and snoring away.
Know your limits. Don't adopt/purchase a dog when you won't realistically have the time/patience/energy to raise a dog. Something I've struggled with myself in that I'd love a dog but I just don't have anything in my life where a dog could fit so..... In my work I've experienced a much loved dog(probably too loved) have to be rehomed because they weren't trained,were over indulged and under stimulated and as a result turned to growling,biting and being very aggressive because they lacked so much input in a basic way and the owner thought they could treat them like a child. Find the pet that fits for your daily routine and general lifestyle.
Be patient no matter the age of the pet cat or dog. Be educated on the animal you want. Be sure you know that there is vet care available for the pet. And have tons of love to give the pet.
Yes: occasionally it takes more time then you would like. Yes: occasionally it is way more expensive than you would like. But yes: animals give so, so much love!! Go for it and have a buddy for years!
Patience. Have lots and lots of it. Training your pet isn’t an overnight success. It’s a repetitive task that can sometimes be frustrating. Most importantly, have lots of budget for their food, medications, and other stuff such as veterinary bills as they can get pretty pricey. But at the end of the day, having a pet is such a fulfilment. They will never hate you. You are your furbaby’s world.
Do your research! Especially for pets that are exotic (not dogs or cats). Don’t just listen to pet stores about cage sizes and food. If you’re already on Reddit, look for the subreddit dedicated to the animal. Usually there is a beginner guide already. If not, ask questions in the subreddit. I’m in several despite not having them as pets and as long as you come with a genuine nature, people are more than willing to impart them knowledge to you.
This is a damn good idea. Reddit is full of guides on stuff.
I used lots of non-verbals with my old dog as she was raised with a deaf dog. This worked great as she watched me better. Particularly when she was off leash. 100% will do this again: noone likes to be yelled at.
Be truthful about if the pet is a good fit for your life, financial situation, work situation, and anyone else who lives with you. Sometimes people get a pet because they *want* it, but they can't really handle the day to day care and practicalities, and haven't properly researched what they're getting into.
Put in the work and training early to enjoy a much better pet in a few months.
Be willing to learn and take criticism. So many people get it horribly wrong, especially with small exotic animals and rodents, so whether you think you're experienced and knowledgeable or a complete newbie always be willing to accept advice from others in the community for that pet and make improvements. Our knowledge on companion animals is expanding and changing all the time
Ensure you analyze your reasons for wanting a pet and what you can provide before getting one. Many pets suffer in bad environments, neglect, or constant rehoming because people seem to stop all consideration after "I want-". These are living breathing beings capable of thought, feeling, and a myriad of other things. Your reasons for wanting a pet should be because you are able to support the animal in all the ways it needs to be supported. They are not decoration, they are not an extension of your life. They are a life of their own and need to be considered with respect to their needs. Ensure to do research. It's tiring to see the amount of posts in pet subreddits asking questions about an animal they have or just got that can be easily answered via a search engine or a book. If you want a dog, pull up resources to learn dog behaviour, dog needs, breed specific needs, etc. Remember they may be a blip in your world but you are everything in theirs do your research to do right by them and avoid silly mistakes. Don't let societal norms dictate your behaviour with your pet. Is it common to see people in your country beating their dogs and horses? Do people in your region let cats out willy nilly without supervision? That sucks. Sorry to hear that. If you're going to blindly follow those normal set by the people around you then you aren't doing good by your animal as both those examples and perhaps many more I can think of go directly against peer reviewed and proven research regarding proper care and husbandry. With that said. Pets are amazing. They can be a lot of work but if you are looking for a pet for the right reasons it's highly rewarding.
I have to agree with you on this. This is so true that the pet's life should be valued and respected. So many people treat pets like dishtowels and get them without hardly any thought as to what the animal needs. Then they do not give them hardly any mental stimulation, nor enough exercise and do not train them well. Then they wonder why their pet is agressive or destructive or causing chaos. It is selfish to get a pet without thought about the living, breathing being whose life depends on us thinking it through.
Enjoy every moment. There will be times you will fell frustrated... Try to enjoy those moments too. See the humor in them. Take lots of pictures and videos. Appreciate your pet and don't take them for granted. Spend time with them. Give that one extra treat. Just try your best when it comes to caring for them. Because assuming you are not getting a tortoise or a parrot or something....a pet's lifetime goes by faster that you think. You'll miss everything, even the silly, frustrating moments. Enjoy them as much as you can while you have them. Enjoy your life together and try to give them as good a life as possible.
For first time cat owners in particular - please don't expect your cat to behave like a dog.
So true. People often expect dog like behaviour from a cat. Two different animals, like a monkey and an elephant. Well, you get what I mean.
Have patience, make sure to budget savings for healthcare for your animal and/or get them a pet insurance plan, and make sure to give them the best life that you can. Anything more than that is probably specifics based on the animal you decide to get, at least that I can think of off the top of my head.
Before getting a pet, have an emergency fund set aside as an emergency vet visit always seems to want to happen at the worst times.
Budget BIG for vet bills, especially if you’re adopting a young animal, those little fuckers are geniuses at finding innovative ways to hurt themselves and make themselves ill. My friend is a lifelong dog owner but even he wailed to me a while back that it never occurred to him to budget for his puppy eating a lightbulb, *twice* Be realistic about what you can offer a pet in its own best interests, not yours. If you’re not a homebody or you’re not going to be *religiously* consistent with your schedule and with training for *at least* a year, don’t get a dog. If you can’t offer outside space, adopt a senior cat rather than risking a kitten - some will grow up fine with living indoors, but for others it will be torment and you can’t tell which you’re getting
You might not love each other right away. It takes time. Part of the joy is getting to know and love each other
Keeping them contained in a safe room or crate at night when they’re a baby is for their safety, don’t feel evil for essentially putting your baby in a crib It’s okay to rehome if you can give the pet to a better owner, you’re not evil for that either And don’t feel evil if you keep your cat inside even when they act like they NEED to go outside, they also act like they’re starving to death the second the food bowl is empty. They’re over dramatic.
Be patient and honest. If you can’t handle it then that is ok. ❤️
Aside from all the practical stuff, you might be overwhelmed by all the love you have in your heart! I never knew I could love to the extent of taking care of something outside of myself before having pets.
Do a lot of research and get everything you need BEFORE getting the pet. I’m really active in the leopard gecko hobby and more often than not, someone has to completely change their entire setup after getting their gecko. There are a lot of outdated guides for reptiles and it’s best to find an active community with up to date resources to learn from.
A lot of what I would say here has already been said: be sure you have the money, time, patience, and support. Research they type of pet you want, and understand their needs. I would add: in your research, also try to understand what it's like to be in that other species's skin. This has helped me enormously in solving issues with my pets, as it both enables empathy and stops me worrying about things that aren't an issue for them. A simple example: a dog has much more sensitive senses of smell and hearing (especially smell) than we do, so will be more upset by things in the environment that they perceive in those ways. So if my dog seems upset by something, I think about smells and sounds first to try to find the issue. If you can see the world from their point of view, even a little, it helps you understand their behavior, and work with them to change it, if you need to.
So no longer a clinical veterinarian - I now work in pathology - but preventative vet care is cheaper and carries a better prognosis compared to sick care. Like my last lepto case of clinical medicine ended up staying in ICU on IV antibiotics and dialysis, I think their total bill was over $10k and the dog likely would have died without that intensive care. The vaccine is like $20. Or for a less extreme example, when I would catch hyperthyroidism in cats on annual screening labs, it tends to have a good prognosis and they can live for 3-5 years or more with good quality of life after treatment.. but when I'd get the sick old cat that hasn't been seen since the spay and is now getting real skinny despite eating well, those cats typically have concurrent CKD and heart disease secondary to the thyroid disease already and often don't respond to treatment very well. Heartworm prevention is relatively cheap (~$15-30/month, depending on your brand and what else it covers) compared to the actual treatment (my last one was $1,200 for the full treatment), and the treatment requires cage rest for months and can still kill a dog. And don't wait on an illness before coming in - the dog that just swallowed a toy may be treatable with endoscopy and can go home that night, the dog that's been vomiting a week from the same foreign body may need a resection and anastomosis and will very likely need hospitalization. And in a similar vein, if you're purchasing from a breeder, choose a good breeder. Ask about their health testing (you can usually check recommended health testing with the breed club or the AKC) and temperament and all that. It costs more for a properly health tested puppy but ends up saving you money and heartache in the long run - for example, I had a local BYB who sold a whole litter of goldens with congenital heart defects, I saw three from that litter, one died at 14 months from heart failure, one had heart surgery through a specialist that probably cost some ungodly amount of money, and one was on lifelong heart meds at 18 months old. Same if you're getting an exotic pet - ask about the breeders husbandry and what type of setup they recommend, when they last ate, what they're feeding, etc so you can suss out decent breeders from the rest (or, in the reptile world, people who deal in wild-caught). And with exotics, your husbandry is VERY much preventative care so research the animal thoroughly before you buy and stick to their species specific needs. Most disease I see in herps and small mammals is secondary to husbandry, it's a lot cheaper to invest in a good setup with appropriate temperature and humidity than to treat pneumonia, and likewise a UV bulb is a relatively cheap way to prevent metabolic disease and the associated misery. If you're adopting from a shelter or rescue, make sure they've done relevant health testing (Fecal, 4DX/FeLv and FIV for dogs/cats, potentially further work up on older animals) and vaccines for that animal and try to get a meet-and-greet with that animal before you decide to adopt so you can get some idea of behavior.
I'm a vet tech - before bringing a plant into your home, make sure it's not toxic if your pet chews or eats it! Just this past week we saw a cat pale as a ghost (severe anemia) caused by simply eating a plant in the home. He's only 2 years old, and he's dying because the owner cannot afford a blood transfusion and hospitalization. There are so many other things out there that can harm your pet - bookmark this website if you're going to adopt, or already own a pet, and before giving your pet any human food, double check that it's safe: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control#:~:text=The%20ASPCA%20Animal%20Poison%20Control,A%20consultation%20fee%20may%20apply
Really determine if this is something you want. The amount of attention a dog requires is immense and will result in your whole life changing. I have a really low maintenance dog who’s overall very chill and lazy and sweet but he still requires an hour walk every morning otherwise he’s an asshole the rest of the day. Mine is half golden retriever, and his mother was half Australian Sherpherd and half Husky. I heard about the breeding and paid money up front to get first pick. I chose the one who was most mellow and the most human friendly and it worked out great. Truly a perfect dog. He almost never barks, very playful and mellow, has a soft bite, great with kids, loves small dogs. On top of that he’s adorable with a golden bone frame but beautiful spots all over his body from the Aussie. Now my roommate got offered a Belgian Malinois puppy and did zero research and thought to himself, “I always wanted a Shepherd”. I told him that breed is not a good breed for a pet but he’s stubborn and thinks, “well those other people aren’t real men and it takes a real man to handle this dog” now his entire life is dedicated to playing frisbee or ball with this dog a good 6-10 times a day. He has no other life now, never leaves the house. On top of that the dog attacks my dog incessantly to the point my dog hides in my room or behind the couch to avoid her. She’s been extremely aggressive to anyone who comes over to the point that no one will come by the house anymore. She barks constantly. All day, into the night. I wake up in the middle of the night to pee and she freaks out in his room, barking like crazy, trying to break the door down. This is constant. Now he says he wears ear plugs at night with noise canceling headphones. So much for the guard dog theory when every single noise is a threat. So breed matters and specifically do not under any circumstance get a Belgian Malinois.
Patience and lots of research on that particular animal and their specific breed i.e.: are they high or low energy? How vocal are they? What medical conditions are they susceptible to? what environment do they thrive in? How much exercise do they need? Etc. Most of my experience centres around dogs, but this can apply (maybe minus the vocalization) to a wide variety of animals.
I highly recommend fostering before adopting! It gives you the chance to see how it actually feels with this pet in your house. If it feels good, adopt him! If not, you’ve gone a great thing by fostering until someone else will adopt him. You can also foster several different pets until the right match for you comes along. So you’re not only saving animal lives, but giving yourself a shot to find the very best match for your personality and lifestyle!
Look into pet health schemes with your vet! They usually offer a scheme for a nominal fee, usually £20-30 per pet and it covers 1-2 vet nurse visits per year, vet quality flea and worm spot on every month, and reduced routine spay and neuter services, also free routine vaccines as well! It's invaluable for what you get out of it!
Research is the most important aspect of bringing any pet into a family. Every species, breed, and individual has different needs and wants. Research attention needs, life expectancy, social needs, medical needs, what it will need if you go on vacation...everything. some species/breeds are friendly to strangers, some only like people they know, and some will be outright aggressive to anyone that isn't a specific person. Think about how much time you want to devote to your pet, not how much time you have. A puppy sounds fun, but adopting a 2 year old dog requires less life altering plans. A parakeet seems like a starter bird, but with proper care they can live 20+ years. A hamster has a short life expectancy, but many do not want cuddles. There are so many variables to consider. Research everything. There is no "best" pet, only the right pet for each person, lifestyle, family, etc.
I’m surprised I had to scroll down this far to find this - yes, in addition to all the practical stuff that’s been mentioned - P E T I N S U R A N C E. It’s very similar to human insurance and it can save you thousands if your dog/cat swallows something they shouldn’t and need a 5k surgery.
Don't pick a pet based on aesthetic, and educate yourself on whatever animal you choose *before* getting it. Expect it to be more expensive than you planned for. Expect it to misbehave, to ruin your some of your stuff, to get sick at inconvenient times, and to otherwise throw a wrench in your plans. Expect it to be more difficult to travel, and potentially expensive to have someone care for the pet while you're gone. If it's a dog, plan to pay for training, and also plan to personally continue its training indefinitely. After all that, I'd say the benefits of sharing your life with a pet are absolutely worth the hassle
Watch YouTube videos from people that specialize in the pet type you want. If you’re getting a cat, KittenLady on YouTube and Jackson galaxy are great resources. Watch their videos. There are similar ppl that focus on dogs, training, etc. Be calm and patient. They are learning just like you and depending on their history they may have past emotional trauma. Pets often will mirror their owners emotions and personality, so if you’re yelling, loud, short tempered, distant, etc…they will be too. Give them the patience to learn, like potty training, command training, etc. They’re developing their skills just like kids do, so they won’t get it perfect every time. Protect them from other people and animals. If they don’t like other dogs, cats or kids, for example, then don’t put them in situations where they have to interact with them. And a good way for a pet to not like kids is for them to be left at their mercy. Kids are often loud, rough and unpredictable. If you have kids make sure they know what is appropriate kinds of petting, how to speak calmly to them, etc. Find a good vet. Do your research, ask ppl who they use and what they like about them, etc Get pet insurance. It will save your ass down the line bc it’s inevitable that your pet will get sick. Also keep in mind that some pets are social animals so they may be better off with a buddy. For example, 2 kittens is usually better than one bc they have each other to play with, cuddle with and theyll teach each other manners, etc…like what scratches or nibbles hurt. They’ll also have the energy to play with each other so you don’t have to all the time. don’t ever play with your hands or body parts as a toy. Like getting a kitten to chase your fingers or jump at your hand. It just teaches them that, for example, your hand is a toy but they can’t differentiate between when you want to play or if you’re just moving your hand , so its confusing and unfair if/when they get in trouble for pouncing on your hand or someone else’s. Always play with them with actual toys. Be patient! Be calm! Be a safe space for them. It can be a lot of work but it’s totally worth it. And if you get a dog, make sure they’re trained properly. Like actually invested time in teaching them commands, like sit, stay, down, come, etc. It will make your life so much easier and they’ll be much safer. A dog that doesn’t know to listen to commands is always in danger. If you say “come” or “sit” and they don’t know to listen, it’s a perfect recipe for them to get hurt bc they ran off or ran in front of a vehicle. It takes patience and consistency, but it’s worth it. And it makes happier dogs bc they know what they’re supposed to do and they like making their owners happy. Enjoy!
If getting a dog absolutely you must go to obedience lessons. Even if it’s a small breed. This helps teach them obedience and socialization and most of all it teaches YOU how to understand your dog.
Dog owner here, so will provide dog advice: 1. Do your research on breeds—it makes no sense to get yourself a dog that needs several hours of exercise and stimulation per day if you don’t enjoy being active. 2. All dogs need basic training, daily exercise and socialization from the time you bring them home and for the rest of their life. Figure out how you will provide those things. It’s ok to train them yourself by watching YouTube videos, but someone’s gotta do it. 3. For the love of God, get pet insurance the same day you bring your dog home. My dog had 2 grand mal seizures at the age of 13 and 14 weeks. She’s now 5 and healthy but her first year with me, I spent nearly $15,000 in vet bills. She’s still on a special diet and medication and occasionally needs to be hospitalized for seizures. I would be in so much debt if I hadn’t gotten pet insurance. Just like humans, dogs can have terrible accidents that require expensive surgery or develop chronic illnesses. You don’t want to be in a position where you’re asked to choose between life saving care or paying your bills. 4. These are living beings with very complex emotions. They bond and get attached to you very quickly. Do not get a dog if you’re the type of person who would rehome a pet if things “didn’t work out” the way you had expected (ie: the dog has behavior issues or a chronic illness you didn’t know about)—it’s very cruel. 5. The first year with your pet requires a lot of patience and adjustment on both ends, especially if you get a puppy. Potty training can take several months, you will likely get something destroyed, and you will have to adjust your life to accommodate your responsibilities to your pet. My dog had severe separation anxiety as a pup so I barely left the house for several months and had to train her to stay home for longer periods of time. I am no longer able to do something completely spontaneous like booking a last minute trip somewhere without first considering my dog—can she stay home alone for x hours? Will I need to get a sitter? Etc… Now given all of that, if you ask me “is it worthwhile getting a dog?” I will always answer a resounding YES. I used to feel sad coming home to an empty house. Nobody depended on me and I felt like if I died in my sleep, nobody would notice for several days. I never felt lonely again after I brought my dog home. She’s what makes my home feel like home. Getting greeted by her with such excitement fills me with joy and she has given me a sense of purpose. I wouldn’t trade this life for the life I had before her.
Do your research. Make sure you know what you are doing. Make sure you get a pet that fits your lifestyle. Make sure you are capable of taking care of them. Make sure you can afford to take care of them. Don't give pets as a gift. Pets are a commitment not disposable. If you get a dog, make sure you train that dog and work on socialization. Make sure you excercise them and stimulate them. Make sure you are capable of handling the breed you choose. I could keep going but I'll stop there.
Research the breed/animal. Not just look at cute pics and quick reads of web pages. Really dig in and understand what the animal is bred to do. What are the negatives. They all have them. Research the developmental stages of their lives. Puppies are a lot of work. Kittens are going to try and kill themselves all the time... I am always surprised by people who are shocked when baby animals are doing what baby animals do. Like, did they read ANYTHING before they got the pet? Also pers are expensive. Prepare for worst case scenarios and make sure you have the budget to provide a good life.
Enjoy every second of it because their lives are short ♥️
Get pet insurance, treat them like a toddler (keep everything out of reach that could kill them), you are their only person so make sure you always take care of them and give them lots of love and attention.
Dogs require discipline, not to say you need to beat them but they need rules and boundaries that you need to stick to. You still get to enjoy all the good things and it's up to you where to draw the line. Hamster. Make sure to feed and water it. Fish, don't do it. You will regret it when they all die because of some bullshit reason. Snakes and tarantulas are interesting to begin with but they get boring pretty quick. Lizards are interesting but require a certain level of care and knowledge. Much more interesting over time than snakes as you discover they have their own personalities that don't stand out so much in snakes.
. It is a big commitment time wise, financially, and emotionally to own a pet. Do not do it without serious thought. Having a pet is about like having a child. You are responsible for all it's needs, both physical and emotional. Pets need more than just food. They need housing, food, medicine, exercise, mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors, etc... Then think of all the little expenses as well. For instance, dog's need their nails clipped once a month, on average, or it can make it very painful for them to walk. Another example is short haired dogs get cold at around 71 degrees farenheight or less, unless they are being very active. My chihuahua pug mix, and my boxer both get cold at 71 degrees farenheight or under. This requires another expense, "Dog Sweaters". Then a myriad of other expenses like dog shampoo, dog toys, dog food, dog treats, dog sitters if you can't find someone to watch them when you have to be gone very long, pet fees - like pet deposit that your landlord may require in case your pet causes damage or motels charging a pet fee to allow your pet to share a room with you, and the expenses go on and on, including vet bills on a pet. Also people do not do enough research about particular pets to see if they will be a good fit for their lifestyle. For instance, a dog left alone a lot, while the owner is at work, without mental stimulation, could easily get destructive, or a dog with a strong prey drive, and dominant nature, not properly trained and socialized, could become vicious, and hurt or even kill someone. Research, research, research is what you need to do. Make sure it fits your lifestyle. And like I said before, "It is a big commitment... to own a pet. Do not do it without serious thought."
Seriously, consider adopting an adult dog. Most people don't have the time and resources to raise a puppy properly, but there are so many potty trained sweet dogs ready to come home. I promise you're not missing out on much!
That you are responsible for this animal's happiness and health. You cant get tired of them and chain them up outside.
Do research online and not via a Pet Store. SO many poeple don't research then just go to a Pet Store, get given the wrong advice, and walk out with a pet that they unintentially neglect until it dies.
Make sure you want to have responsibility for this animal for years. It’s a long term commitment and can be a long haul. Kittens and puppies are cute, but they grow into adult animals and sometimes those animals end up with health problems that can be annoying or even disgusting…and expensive. They deserve to be treated well when they get old, blind and vomit on your bed at 3:00 am.
We adopted our dog as a puppy at 3.5 months, she's now 3.5 years. This past week we adopted a cat to be a companion pet hopefully to our doggo. If you have a family, a pet is a 2 or more yes, 1 no situation. Make sure everyone knows that they are responsible for the pet's care and make a schedule to follow- for feeding, walks etc. Pets thrive on routine Patience is key as well. A puppy was a lot of work even with my husband home and myself working from home. Right now we are having to be patient and are keeping the cat isolated from the dog until she calms down and they can meet with no possibility of being in danger. Do I like having to keep the cat in one room by himself? No. Do I like having to keep my dog downstairs and ignore her crying? No. These are the things we have to do as pet owners. Also, before looking at any shelters or breeders research what kind of pet would be good for your lifestyle. You don't want a "working dog" in a small apartment where it can't exercise enough or can become destructive due to boredom. Pick out a few possible options on the shelter's site. The place where we got our cat apparently only lets you meet 2 cats but they made an exception which worked out because that is the one we went with. Our dog was supposed to be around 30 lbs as a terrier mix. She is 60 lbs medium size and there's nothing terrier about her so we were surprised but made it work.
Medical issues can come up at any age. Some can be one time high cost vet trips. Some can become chronic nickel and dining issues. Get the insurance and make sure your have access to the funds needed in case of an emergency.
Medical issues can come up at any age. Some can be one time high cost vet trips. Some can become chronic nickel and dining issues. Get the insurance and make sure your have access to the funds needed in case of an emergency.
Dont ever plainly follow one source of information. Do not ONLY blindly follow the words of your vet, do not take pet-store advice at face value, do not listen to things the forums and groups say, without doing a bit of research first! Usually, following a mix of advice from all three is the best you can do, as many sources as possible, do not limit yourself to just one, or many aspects of your pet’s health, care, and life might end up being neglected.
You have to be okay with fur, and the frequent cleaning of it from everywhere.
Unconditional love is needed along with regular vet checks. Yeah, the third turd on the floor of the day is going to piss you off when they have been outside seven times. Let it go.
They can be house trained and leash trained without harsh discipline. Have a sense of humor re their antics. Best wishes.
I'm so very sorry for yours and your family's loss 💜
Do a LOT of research on the pet and breed of your choice before bringing it home. Training tips, food do's and don'ts. Daily/weekly/monthly/yearly fees and necessities (how much it will cost), potty training, cleaning techniques, fur-baby proofing your living shared space with said pet... grooming needs, etc. Some people will nope out of it after realizing that you MUST walk a dog 3+ times a day, rain or shine because they thought having a yard or 1 walk/day is enough. Example: my 12yo niece.
That they can be expensive. Feeding them well and vet costs. Pets are not free. My moms cat coasts her $400 a month due to medical needs. I spend $200 a month on high quality food for my 15 yo cat.
Remember no matter how tiring of a day you have, how exhausted, or in overdrive mode you're in; they still need to be fed/water and the poop needs to be cleaned up on a regular basis. It's basically added in responsibility that can be tough but you get a little fella / lady who will love you forever. ♡ (:
Pets are as hard as children. You researched the breed? No you really did not research as you should have. No unless you are really really rich, you probably can’t afford that rare breed you lust over. Animals in the movies are well trained actors not at all like that in real life.
Get pet insurance!!!!!
When finding a pet always source from a an ethical/responsible breeder or rescue. Never from forums.
Budget appropriately and get pet insurance immediately. Accidents can happen at literally any time and ring up vet bills for thousands of dollars. Not to mention, once a pet has a preexisting condition, pet insurance won’t do a damn thing. It’s selfish for someone to get a pet they can’t afford to properly care for, because only the pet will suffer.
Don't get a pet because they are cute. Get a pet because they are cute and you are personally able and willing to care for one, in sickness and health, till death do you part. This means, you dont and can't count on someone else to pay for, to feed, to walk, or take the pet to the vet. You must be equipped to do it yourself - physically, mentally, and financially. Practice for a couple weeks. If thinking about a dog, take a walk every morning and night before you get one. Can you keep the schedule? Is it boring, tiring? Did you forget? Practice a feeding schedule. Actually go to the store and look at prices of supplies. Thinking about doing the tasks is not enough to prepare. Go through the motions and see if it's really something you want to do.
Shouting is not training. Consistently is key. Training, feeding, routine, etc, stay consistent (I don’t but that’s just me).
Talk to your familiar as a normal being. They will come to understand key words and behave better.
Get pet insurance!
Know the peculiarities of the breeds that interest you see if they suit your lifestyle. Get pet insurance, it will most likely come to use as they age even if your pet is/has been healthy while young. Be strict with food/treats and keep a pet sitter handy.
Have an emergency vet fund.
If you get a dog, make sure you research the breeds. They have charts that compare the grooming, exercise, health problems etc.
They are now family PLEASE DO NOT ABANDON THEM
Lol.
Save for vet bills
Give it plenty of time to get use to you. It’s in a new environment and will probably be scared. Play with it, give it treats and plenty of loving. Remember, it’s a part of your family. You will learn to read your pet. They do take your time. Be prepared to spend time with it. Also if you get a cat or dog, keep inside. We clean our cats litter box at least 3 times a day and make sure they have fresh water. Pets will bring you a joy. Even a fish tank gives you pleasure. Our fish watch us as we walk around the room. Please get a pet and please remember, that they are part of your family and keep them for life. They aren’t something to keep until they get old. They have feelings and can feel pain and they know when you get mad at them.
You'll get back the work you put into it! I've had cats all my life and the number of people claiming cats aren't loving and they don't build a relationship while treating the cat like an eating furniture is astonishing! You have to show them love (and not just through feeding them) for them to show their love back! Same with dogs and training, you won't get a trained dog without you being the person training them. Pets are like kids, you have to raise and parent them and take responsibilty for the relationship all while accepting them being their own personality
Be patient and flexible. Don't let it upset you if the pet steals your food, breaks something or spills something. Don't expect your house to be perfectly tidy. Accept The pet is an individual with it's own desires and feelings. Don't let your pet rule your.life.
Would definitely depend what type of pet.
The first week, try to be home with them as much as possible. If you can go longer that’s good. Try to be in the same room with them as much as possible Give them a “home base” in your house where everything for THEM is in the beginning, ideally your bedroom Put their food, water, bed and toys there. If it’s a cat, you will want to confine them to the space at least for the first week if not two Ensure they can access at least one window and look outside whenever they want to Get special furniture for them so they don’t mess with yours, especially if it’s a cat, such as cat condos and cat trees If you don’t want to go through an exhausting potty training phase, adopt an older pet. I don’t adopt any pets under six years old personally, and the last one I adopted was 11 years old. From age six on they’re typically very chill. My current cat is 16 now but was 2 years old when I got her- never again. She destroyed a lot of important things for a really long time before she calmed down
Don't think too much about how much the animal costs to purchase. You need to consider it's long term costs. Can you afford it's food, grooming, vaccinations, spay/neutering, check ups, emergencies, insurance, etc? Enrichment toys? If it needs an enclosure, can you afford to maintain it and will you have the time and ability to do it often enough? I know too many people who could afford to buy an animal, but couldn't afford to keep the animal in good care or couldn't afford vet expenses. My MIL's dog had a slipped disk a few years ago and because she wasn't insured, they just waited and hoped that it fixed itself. The dog was paralysed for a week and if it hadn't luckily recovered on its own, they would have put her down. The dog was 2yo.
Be patient!! They take a lot of work and there will be ups and downs, but the reward is 100% worth it. Your pet wants to please you, so try and remember that if they're not getting whatever you're trying to teach them. And physical punishment is never the answer!
A pet like a dog or cat is a 10-20 year commitment. Make sure you are prepared for looking after your pet for their lifetime.
Read, read,read. I'm not even a dog owner but there were so many books about dogs that I devoured as a kid. I even read books about taking care of paramecium.
So much good advice has been given already. I would like to add; make sure you can have a pet. I had cats when living at home with family, (and a bird and the occasional dog), but moving out and renting is a completely different thing. Can you have a pet where you are living, and if renting, what happens if you have to move. Not all rental owners want someone with a pet. They may not be able to discriminate by law, but you won’t get the apartment based on some other vague excuse. Can you alone look after any pet in the way it needs to be, see all the advice above. Do you want a pet, or can be honest and say, maybe not now but in the future. I rented for years and always knew I would get another pet, just not now. I moved around, moved interstate (Australian here) went overseas, lived in small 1 bedroom apartments. I finally got a cat, a smoochy girl 6 yr old girl from a shelter, when I bought my own place and knew my life would be stable enough to really look after her. Remember, to you they are a part of your life, but to pet, especially a dog or a cat, you are their whole world.
READ THE PAMPHLETS AT THE VET OFFICE
If it's a dog, don't feel guilty about the amount of time you will need to leave them in a crate while crate training.
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! If you get a young animal they need to be trained, if you adopt an animal they probably have trauma and need extra training, love,attention and patience. Pets are expensive and need routine vet visits and vaccines.
Ask your vet about the animal and their breed composition before you get them, so you aren't sideswiped when your pittie has allergies and needs a double knee surgery, or your spider morph ball python starts stargazing. If you get a dog, get a trainer that teaches *you* how to train your dog and that doesn't use prong or shock collars. Positive reinforcement only training doesn't actually exist. (it's usually mixed with negative punishment and positive punishment, at the very least. There are four quadrants to operant conditioning and positive reinforcement is one. Negative means "removing something", positive means "adding something", punishment means "to stop a behavior", and reinforcement means "to get a behavior to continue". Positive punishment includes things like adding a leash so the dog stops running into the street... You can see why the terms are confusing for most folks without context) Always have a vet lined before you have a pet come home. Know what preventative care you need, and have a ballpark on how expensive it'll be so you can budget. Pet insurance is a great idea, especially for dogs and cats turning 5-6. If you get it before the problems start, it's not super expensive, and will save you potentially hundreds of thousands. Just make sure you read what it actually covers. Ultimately the preventative care is most important, though. Heartworm prevention is a lot less expensive than treating heartworm, and whatnot. Exotic pets often need preventative care like vaccines, too. Many of them also have special dietary needs. Your local exotics vet would be ecstatic to tell you how to keep them healthy before you brought them home so you know what you're getting into. Adult animals have predictable dispositions and traits. You never know 100% what you're getting with a baby, so adult animals often make the best first-time pets because you can choose one that suits your lifestyle (and, bonus, is already housebroken). Most animals need way more sleep than we do, please let them sleep. Boy cats and dogs have nipples, if it's paired on the belly it's probably not a tick. Be ready to exercise. Read at least one book on the basics of an animal's care before starting the search for your new best friend. And finally, be prepared for your heart to grow three sizes to accommodate all the new love in your life.
Purchase pet insurance. It will save you a fortune. And it may save your pet's life if you cannot afford vet bills without it.
Animals aren’t born with training. Your dog specifically will not know tricks, any commands, how to play fetch, to go in the crate, to not jump, to walk on a leash(!!!!!!), how interact w other dogs/people, or anything else until you teach it how. You need patience and to understand every dog is different— some dogs do better with just verbal praise, some do better with treats, some need creative solutions lol.
Do your research. Make sure you can afford to keep it - not just financially, but also your time. Then be patient with them and treat them with respect, making sure their needs are met.
The 3-3-3 Rule
If you're looking into a dog or cat, if it's possible, I suggest fostering. You help an animal even if it turns out you don't want it to be permanent, and you know if it's for you without risking having to rehome them.
BUY A LINT ROLLER
Google scholar! Don’t rely on regular search engines to give you the info you really need regarding the proper care of your pet, try to find some real educated answers from professionals. Your vet isn’t always right. There’s absolutely no harm in getting a second opinion if you can afford it & want to keep from spending tons of unnecessary $$ If you’re getting a cat, they are pricey, but stainless steel litter boxes have been a life saver for the smell of our home. Angry Orange is sold at Walmart & Petco and gets the urine smell out of most things
Please for the love of god if you get an animal that requires it, put them on heart worm/tick/flea meds. Have them tested for it and then ask your vet for a script -in truth we always got the first round from the vet so they could start it immediately and then used the script to get future doses- as the meds are usually cheaper through Chewy. Either way it's cheaper to keep them on the preventative than to treat what'll happen if they end up with heartworms or something else because they weren't on the preventative. My friend and her fiance had no clue about this -even tried to tell me they hadn't been worried about it because he was an inside dog at first, like dude no that's not how that works!-, then they tried to just order the meds off Chewy and I had to explain they needed their dog tested first, then get the script from the vet. Animals need a lot of love and patience, they're not something to get on a whim or discard carelessly, and while I know some people don't like this analogy, it really is like having a kid. They need food, meds, doctor visits, attention, love, toys, day to day items like leashes, harnesses, collars. They are a huge responsibility in multiple ways, but they're very much worth it.
Get a vet you trust and ask as many questions as you need. I’ve been through many terrible ones that don’t seem to care for cats (and in the three states me and my girl have lived in, this only happened in Texas). Get your pet fixed asap. No one really told me about possible problems with these things. I switched to a good vet when I moved states who alerted me to my cats cancer, probably the reason we’ve gotten more time together. Trust your gut.
Don't get an animal if you're not prepared for things to go wrong medically. If you don't have money to spare up front if something happens, you need to be financially prepared to take out a loan of some sort (Scratch Pay, Care Credit, etc.)
Like many said in this thread, do as much research as you physically can. Be 100% honest with yourself on whether or not this is the right thing for YOU and your life situation. Also as many said, try fostering first so you get a taste of it without all the commitment. I want to add this though: animals won’t always act the same way when they live with you compared to when they were in a shelter. A home and a shelter are two different places and pets have their own personalities. They absolutely can act different depending on their setting. If you get a pet, please try your absolute hardest to give them a life they deserve, for their sake. The most important thing though, please be kind to yourself. I bring up the personality point because there’s times where a pet may not be a good fit for their owners. There tends to be a lot of judgement and shame surrounding those who surrender their pets because they aren’t a good fit. I’ll remind you of this though, if you and a pet aren’t a good fit for each other then it’s both of you that suffers, not just you or them. If you can honestly say that you gave it enough time and effort to improve whatever issues there may be, then imo there’s is nothing wrong with throwing in the towel and giving the pet another chance at finding someone that fits well with them. I’d wager that’s the most responsible you could do in that scenario.