The Commitment to Having A Pet

Having a pet can be an incredibly exciting experience. You will form strong bonds with your pet and have a new animal as a part of your family. There is a continuous list of pros to having a pet including all of the adventures you will have together, enjoying some time with your pet after a long day, or even teaching them new skills and tricks! However, with all of these fun opportunities also comes a long list of responsibilities and commitment. Although having a pet is extremely fun, it can also be a hard and tiring job. As a pet owner, you will need to leave out time for your pets for various different needs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge in the adoption of pets. It was mostly dogs and cats, which are both hard to take care of and require lots of attention. By lacking social interaction during lockdown, it seems that it made people want to adopt a pet for their own entertainment and personal well-being. Aside from the seemingly enjoyable idea of having a furry friend to accompany you through lockdown, the trend post-pandemic seems to be the opposite. Apparently, pet owners are not fully considering the commitment they need to have in order to properly take care of a pet.

Here is a list of things you should be able to commit to in order to be a good pet owner:

1. Time.

All pets require a significant investment of your time which not everyone may have. Pets need daily feeding which could include preparing meals at designated times to ensure a healthy diet. Different types or breeds of pets also need different amounts of exercise which can be very time consuming. Dogs, for example, may require numerous walks a day and play sessions on top of that, while cats may need more interactive playtime to stay healthy and engaged. Furthermore, you will need to make time for grooming tasks which may also vary depending on the pet. You may need to care for their dental hygiene, clip their nails, brush their fur, as well as bathe them. Some pets may require certain tasks daily, while others may need them to be done once a week or once a month. Overall, being a pet owner means that you will need to be able to take time out of your day to care for your pet and attend to their needs. 

2. Financial Responsibility.

Beyond the adoption or purchase fee, pets will require different items or needs which can all add up quickly. For example, pets will need a cage or carrier, food, and veterinary care, while bigger pets may need a collar, leash, and even regular grooming. When it comes to dogs and cats, their veterinary care can include getting vaccinated, check-ups, and treatments to prevent sickness. Along with those, you can purchase pet insurance to help manage those unexpected expenses such as emergency vet visits which can be quite a lot. Being financially responsible means that you will be providing the needs of your pet while being able to handle unexpected situations as well. 

3. Space.

Having enough space for your pet to thrive is crucial for their well-being. Especially if you have a pet that is active like dogs or cats, they will need enough space for many reasons. For example, dogs and cats will need space to roam around, sleep, eat, and play without feeling overstimulated or stressed.

Having adequate space for your pets will benefit not only their physical well-being, but will also help maintain a strong emotional well-being since small spaces tend to make pets stressed.

Pets need the proper amount of space to release their energy without feeling bored or distressed which could essentially lead to physical and behavioural problems. A properly designed space that accommodates your pet is extremely important for fostering a happy and healthy pet. 

4.  Training and Socialization.

Ensuring that your pet is trained properly and can socialize is a fundamental part of ensuring your pet is well adjusted and well-behaved. Training can help pets understand basic commands, establish boundaries and limits, as well as develop good behaviour which will ultimately enhance their safety and ability to interact with other people and animals. On the other hand, socialization includes exposing your pet to different environments, sounds, and situations all in a controlled manner. This will help allow your pet to be less fearful, which reduces the likeliness of anxiety or aggressive behaviour in unfamiliar situations. With the mix of training and socialization skills, it can help create a stronger bond between the pet and owner as well as promote a better environment when it comes to unexpected situations. 

5. Travel and Care.

When it comes to travelling, pet owners may be stressed about what to do about their pets. Ensuring that you have a thoughtful plan laid out for your pet while travelling is incredibly important to ensure the safety and proper well-being of your pet. Before getting a pet, you should think about a few friends or other family members that can help take care of your pet while you are away, especially during unexpected emergency travels. If you plan to take your pet with you while travelling, you will need to ensure that you have planned for their needs including finding pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring their comfort and safety, and keeping up with their regular feeding and exercise schedules. 

Overall, the commitment to having a pet can go far beyond just providing the basic needs. It is a dedication to their ongoing health, happiness, and well-being. All pets rely on their owners for consistent care, emotional support, and stability which makes it so important that owners are prepared for all responsibilities no matter the circumstances. Embracing this commitment ensures a joyful relationship with your pet, ultimately enriching both the lives of the owner and the pet.