Five important things to consider before getting a pet – 9Honey

By Kate Kachor| 13 hours ago
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of wanting a pet.
It could be as simple as spending an afternoon flopping around on the floor with your friend's new puppy, or seeing a photo of a sweet kitten during an Instagram 'doomscroll'.
Next thing you know, you've liked every breeder and pet rescue Facebook page in your local area and your feed is flooded with pet fashion and 'pet how to' Reels.
Yet, there are a few things to seriously consider before welcoming your new family member. Let's not forget, there is a true 'Instagram vs reality' when it comes to pets.
Here are five things to consider before getting a pet:
It doesn't matter if you're keen to add a dog, cat, puppy, kitten, bird, snake, rabbit, or gecko into your life.
What is important is to be honest about your lifestyle and how much time you will have for your new pet.
Will you have the time in your life to feed and take your dog for a walk every day? Do you have the patience to get to know your new puppy and its chewing habits? Are you committed to making sure your kitten/cat's litter tray is clean?
These might sound like basic questions, yet your pet will rely on you for these and more.
READ MORE: 10 Australians reveal how much they spend on their pets in a month
Puppies and kittens are very cute, though they are likely to demand more of your time.
With a younger pet there is more likelihood they will require more attention, including more exercise and more mental stimulation to help they with their own excited energy.
However, an older dog or cat is more likely to be past its most excitable phase and be in a more manageable routine. Older pets are also more likely to be toilet trained.
If you have your heart set on a particular pet and breed, you should also research energy levels of the breeds to make sure they either match or are in line with your own.
No one likes a bad hair day, so why should your pet also suffer?
If you have your heart set on a Poodle or Bichon Frise, for instance, dog grooming appointments will likely be in your future. Such grooming comes at a cost.
While they do not necessarily need a trip to the salon, if you're keen to welcome a Himalayan Cat into your home, they will require constant home grooming. As this feline beauty sheds fur it needs a daily groom to help with any tangles.
Grooming also requires your time, so this is something to also consider when thinking about getting a pet.
READ MORE: The world's naughtiest pets caught in the act
This is a big one. Since the pandemic, there have been been scores of pets surrendered to pounds and rescue organisations due to separation anxiety.
So when considering getting a pet, it's important to be honest about the number of hours in a day your pet will be alone.
Separation anxiety among pets is a big challenge, yet there are methods to help you and your pet conquer it together.
Cats are less likely to struggle with being left alone than some dogs.
This is another big one to consider: The cost of a pet doesn't stop at a cute collar.
Your new pet will require regular food, toys, bedding and vet bills. These costs will all add up.
So, if you're not sure you can manage all these expenses as well as your own you could consider putting some savings aside just for your future pet to help you ease into the financial transition.
You may not end up spending your savings, which means you'll always have a buffer in case of emergencies.
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