Whether you’re thinking about extending your furry family or getting your very first pet, lockdown could be the perfect time to do so. However, it isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. It isn’t something you should just do temporarily. A pet is for life, not only for lockdown. Here’s what you need to consider if you’re debating getting a pet during the quarantine.
What Animal Is Best Suited To Me?
The first thing you should think about when it comes to getting a pet is what type of pet you want and whether it will realistically fit into your home and lifestyle. For example, cats can offer great company with less of the commitment that a dog requires as they don’t need walking. They can be left alone during the day and are very self-sufficient. You should also consider how the pet would fit into your home. If you have a small apartment, would it really be fair to get a big dog? If you haven’t had a pet before, maybe you should start with something small and low maintenance to see how you get on.
Can I Afford It?
One of the most significant factors to take into consideration is the financial impact a pet carries. Obviously, certain pets are much more affordable such as a hamster or fish, but if you’re looking at getting a cat or dog, you need to be prepared to pay the price. Certain dogs may need expensive food, medication, vet bills, and regular grooming, just to name a few. It’s super important that once you’ve decided what pet or dog breed you want, that you’re in a position to be able to financially afford to keep them long term.
Can I Give It The Best Life?
Finally, but most importantly, do you feel that you can offer a pet your full, undivided attention and commit to bringing it up to have the best life possible? If you think the answer is yes, and you are in a position where you can afford a pet and have found one that will fit in with you and your lifestyle, you should definitely get one.
Lockdown will allow you to spend time training your dog, or settling your animal as you’re likely to be at home a lot more often. Also bear in mind that there are many animals in rescue shelters that you could rehome, so always consider this before buying.
