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In life, there are many choices to make. These choices determine how well you enjoy your life or how stressful it can be. One choice you may have to make is picking a pet to join your family.
When selecting a new member for your household, it’s important to consider factors beyond appearance and how it fits into your home’s style. You also need to consider how this pet will impact your life, match your energy, and bring excitement to your home. So, how do you find the perfect pet to fit your lifestyle?
This article will guide you on choosing from many pet choices and which one fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Factors to Consider Before Selecting a Pet
Your Daily Routine
The initial aspect to think about is your daily schedule. Do you like being active and doing things in the morning, or do you prefer doing things late at night? How often are you at home, and do you travel frequently?
By determining what your day-to-day activity entails, you can decide what pet would fit your lifestyle. If you are unsure of how your routine can affect your pet, you can reach out to a veterinarian for better insight.
Time and Dedication
Pets are not all wired the same. Regardless, they all require attention, time, and commitment. That said, the level of attention and time required for these pets varies.
For example, dogs are energetic pets that require regular walks and exercise, socializing, and training. On the other hand, according to Gold Tetra: A Guide to Tank Setup, Feeding, and Breeding, a Gold Tetra requires specific care but not as much time commitment as a dog.
So, ultimately, it is important to remember that while all pets can provide companionship, they all have varying requirements. Hence, you need to think about how much time, energy, and attention you have to offer your new friend.
Allergic Reactions
Name: Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya from Unsplash
Most of the people are allergic to dogs and cats, so there’s a chance that you or someone in your home may be allergic.
Granted, there are numerous ways to manage allergies, most of which your local vet will inform you about. It’s required to understand that if you don’t prepare properly for your new friend, you or someone else in your home could have allergic reactions.
That being said, if you would rather skip the risk of allergic reactions, you can opt for other pets, such as birds, fish, and small mammals.
Life Expectancy
Your pet’s lifespan is another factor you need to think about. Consider the fact that you may lose your pet, meaning you will have to mourn that loss. Are you prepared for that?
Furthermore, think about the financial, emotional, and physical commitment required to take care of a sick or senior pet. If you have factored in all of these, then you are one step closer to deciding what pet to get.
Energy Levels and Companionship
Similar to humans, animals have varying energy levels. Some dogs are easily excitable and enjoy running around, while others are laid back and tend to sit down more.
Also, we have birds like parrots, which are social animals that require companionship. Lastly, we have fish that may not require the same interaction level but still need a decent environment and steady companionship (especially schooling fish) to ensure they thrive.
So, you should decide based on how much energy you want your pet to have and what their social needs are.
Space and Surrounding
Pets can be different sizes and shapes, so they need different amounts of space to be comfortable. For instance, a dog might need a large yard to run around, while a cat requires a limited vertical space indoors to climb.
Alternatively, a fish such as the Gold Tetra needs a high-quality aquarium to ensure they live a long and happy life. Therefore, think about the amount of space you have and how much space you are willing to provide for your potential new friend.
Keep in mind that some landlords do not allow pets. However, some helper pets are legally allowed to stay with you regardless of building rules.
Expenses
Pet care can be quite pricey, depending on the pet and their health status. Seeing as you need to take good care of your pets, these are costs you have to pay for.
You must ensure your pet visits the vet regularly and is vaccinated against diseases and parasites. Fortunately, you might be able to find an establishment that makes the payment process more affordable.
No matter how much money you have, remember that owning a pet can cost a lot. The expenses will vary depending on the type of pet you choose. So, make sure your finances match the needs of the pet you want.
Your Pet Options
Seeing as you know the factors to consider before getting a pet for your home that matches your lifestyle, here are some popular pet options you should look at.
Dogs
As many people say, a dog is a “man’s best friend,” so it should come as no surprise that when people think about pets, dogs are the first thing they think about.
People often choose dogs for several reasons, including their loyalty, protectiveness, intelligence, and high energy levels. That said, note that dogs come in various breeds and have various needs.
For example, a Jack Russell Terrier has a lot of energy, so they require ample space to run around and might need to go on frequent walks to expend that energy.
If you happen to be a more laid-back individual, this breed may be overwhelming for you. In a case like this, a calmer Basset Hound might be a better option for you.
Cats
After dogs, many people choose cats as their next pet. Although cats are sometimes seen as unfriendly and distant, they are a great choice for people who prefer a calm lifestyle and have limited space.
Additionally, cats are more self-reliant compared to dogs, which means they don’t require as much attention from you. However, it’s still important to provide them with mental and physical stimulation, proper care, and some interaction to keep them happy and healthy.
If you do not like to be stimulated and have limited time in your schedule, then a cat is the perfect pet to match your lifestyle.
Tiny Mammals
If you don’t have much room or aren’t ready for pets like cats and dogs that require a lot of commitment, then small mammals are the best choice for you.
Some examples of these mammals include rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. Furthermore, these animals are usually social and fun to be around.
Although, you need to clean their cages regularly and ensure to look after them whenever you let them out of their cage. If you can handle these tasks, then small mammals are the way to go.
Birds
Birds are perfect for people who want to admire their beauty and dynamic personalities. These creatures have various species, so you have a plethora of options to choose from.
While birds do not require as much care as other pets, they do need high interaction levels.
Therefore, birds might not be the best option if you are typically busy with work or other activities. That said, your pet might thrive if you add another bird to the family. This way, the bird has another feathery friend to interact with. However, be sure to consult a vet before adding another bird to ensure that they can coexist.
Fish
Owning a fish can be relaxing and therapeutic for you. They are typically hardy and do not require hands-on care most of the time. Furthermore, you can have them at home or your place of work.
Fish do not need interaction, unlike their mammal and avian counterparts, but they still need careful tank maintenance and proper feeding. If you can give them a clean home, balanced food, and proper care when needed, then a fish could be the ideal pet for you.
Conclusion
Choosing the best pet for your lifestyle is a major decision that requires careful consideration. Pets can be wonderful companions, but it’s important to think about what you need, what the pet needs, and how it will affect those around you.
If you’re finding difficult in making decision, you can seek guidance from a veterinarian who can help you with the decision-making process.
- Dogs: Gold Retriever, Standard Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier
- Cats: Maine Coon, American Shorthair, and Ragdoll
- Fish: Goldfish, Bettas, and Tetras
It also helps to choose a vet first before picking a pet just in case the inevitable happens. And also because not all vets can cater to all types of animals.
With patience, careful consideration, and knowledge, you can make the right choice for the perfect pet to suit your lifestyle. Hopefully, the information in this article can assist you in making that decision.
