Written By: Jessica Brody
Website: Ourbestfriends.pet
Welcoming a pet into your heart, family and home is an exciting experience. It’s also a major responsibility. In the daze of adding your newest family member, it’s important to consider how they will affect your home life. It’s also important to create a safe, practical and welcoming environment for your pet. Here are some tips for bringing a new pet into your home.
Choose a kind/breed that fits yours lifestyle
The first thing to think about is what kind of pet will best fit into your current lifestyle. Do you have the space to welcome a new pet? If you have a 600-900 square foot home and a child, a Mastiff may not be the right breed to add to the mix. However, a miniature Maltese or a cat may be just the right company. If you have small children, you may not want to add a kitten or puppy to the family, which would add more potty training and teaching to your already busy life. But an older rescue that doesn’t have a history of abuse or a fish may be just the right fit. If you don’t like exercise or don’t have a fenced in yard, a high energy pet like a Labrador may not be the desired choice, but a Great Dane that requires low impact exercise may suit you better. Do you or someone in your family have allergies? A mixed breed such as a Goldendoodle may be right up your alley.
You will want to take a look at your budget before getting that long-haired Dachshund mix that sheds everywhere and will leave marks and hair all over your upholstered couch. Dogs do like sleeping on couches so keep in mind that it can cost a pretty penny to have upholstery cleaned. Over time to be quite expensive. When choosing a pet, it’s important to match what you can provide to the animal you want to bring home.
Properly prepare your home
Once you’ve decided the kind and breed of animal, it’s time to prepare your home. Whether you’re welcoming a cat, dog, bird, snake, or fish, it should be a family event with each member being assigned responsibilities. Assess the needs of the pet (e.g., vet appointments, feeding, grooming, exercise) and divide them up. For instance, it may be your job to wake up in the early morning to let the dog out, Junior’s job to clean the tank, and your partner’s job to take care of daily feeding. It doesn’t matter who takes what task, as long as everyone is aware of and meets the pet’s needs.
After you’ve divided up responsibilities, take a look around your home and determine whether it is safe for your new pet. You may need to prepare, fix, or make improvements to your home, such as removing certain plants, securing trash cans, and moving objects that could be a choking hazard. Just like with a young child in the home, you’ll need to securely store chemicals and medications in a place the animal cannot access. You should also consider putting together a plan for your pet in case of emergency if you’re ever forced to evacuate.
Help them acclimate
Once you have chosen a pet and prepared yourself, family and home for the new edition, it’s time to bring the pet home. You may need to help them acclimate, especially if your pet is a rescue or previously abused. She may need some extra TLC to overcome any nervousness and fear. If she came with a bed, toys, or blanket, keep some of her old stuff to help her adjust with her new surroundings.
Your family and your new pet both need to bond with one another, and one way to do that is through talking to them. The interaction and tone alone will help your pet connect to you and help you relate to your pet.
Animals will enrich your life and love you unconditionally, which is reason enough to bring a new pet into your home. However, you and your pet will be best served if you consider whether you have the space, time and capability to include the new family member. Once your new pet arrives, you just need a little patience and attention, like any relationship requires. Then you’ll be setting yourself up to experience years of companionship and joy.
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