Pets are more than just cute companions that stand by our side, give and demand cuddles, bring fun or exercise.
Above all, pets mean that you have to change your lifestyle, because the care and feeding of an animal requires some adjustments on the part of the owner.
If you assume that it is the animal that adapts to your life, this is only partially true. An animal has needs that cannot be postponed, an animal has idiosyncrasies that no one will be able to exorcise because they are determined by the species, an animal still wants to be looked after when you go on holiday or the children no longer feel like looking after it.
You usually only realise how much work and responsibility you really have for a pet once you have acquired one.
Although the needs of different pets are not the same, everyone knows that a hamster doesn't have to be walked, a cat doesn't necessarily have to be an outdoor pet, or a small dog can be happy in a relatively small rented flat.
Nevertheless, you should take a good look at yourself and your own habits before deciding on a pet.
Ask yourself the following questions, the answers to which will soon tell you whether a pet will actually enrich your life or whether it will cause unwanted complications.
Most of the questions relate to keeping dogs and cats, which by far require more effort, but the individual aspects generally apply to all pets.
1. how much time can I invest in the care of the animal and hygiene in the house and surroundings?
Of course, you can make it easy for yourself by only buying the food as a finished product, only allowing the animal in certain areas of the house or outside, reducing grooming to a minimum, or restricting walks to the absolutely necessary times.
In the vast majority of cases, however, a pet will demand more, or at least deserve more, and the owner is likely to develop a tendency to enjoy being there for the pet. They can either put up with the pet hair on the sofa until the next big clean, or vacuum the house every day, but before they buy a pet, they should have realistically assessed whether they have enough time to take good care of it and feel comfortable with it.
Please note that the guideline for animals that bond closely to humans is six hours of solitude per day; any more can lead to behavioural problems.
2. how much can I charge for animal care without any problems?
You should be particularly aware that, in addition to food and accessories such as a dog basket, cat scratching post or toys, veterinary costs can be a particular burden on the budget. Routine check-ups are also necessary for pets to guarantee their health. If treatment is due or the animal becomes ill, the sum can quickly mount up.
Taxes must also be paid for larger pets.
The services of dog schools or dog psychologists are often not available for free, but they are sometimes important, especially for newcomers to dog ownership.
3. who will look after the animal when you go on holiday?
Everyone knows the stories of the dogs that are abandoned every year during the holiday season, sitting miserably by the roadside waiting to be rescued. However, this is often the sad truth every year. So-called animal-loving people consider a holiday without an animal more important than finding someone to look after their pet while they are away. A lot of money is spent on holidays, and in many cases a kennel simply seems "too expensive"? Something is wrong there!
4. can you live with the fact that your pet has quirks?
Animals have their own character, which they usually bring with them from the start. Although this is partly related to the breed, e.g. hunting dogs need much more exercise and exercise than a leisurely little dachshund, this is not limited to such general characteristics.
Many animals have their very own flaws and quirks that are almost impossible to change. For example, there are many cats that remain so shy and timid that they may only let a family member touch them and only trust them.
Dogs can be so used to their masters that they are not prepared to go for a walk with another person.
If neglected, e.g. due to lack of time, all these pets can develop behavioural problems that are difficult to correct and are usually based on the fact that this animal is not happy in its environment and never will be if this is the life it can be offered. This is particularly true of dogs that gnaw and tear up sofas, shoes and carpets because they have to spend the whole day alone at home. Or cats, who are not free-roamers, who chew up sofas and curtains.
Conclusion
All these aspects and many more, such as the age an animal can reach, whether it should be kept individually or in pairs, or even in groups, need to be carefully considered before you buy a pet.
It is of no use to anyone if you realise after a short time that the animal does not suit you or your lifestyle and has to be given back. The truth is that you are not suited to the animal, not the other way round!
