Being a pet owner has many wonderful benefits, but how do you choose a pet that is the best fit for you?
Here are ten things to consider:
1. What are you looking for in a pet?
Before anything else, it’s a good idea to determine your why. Why do you want a pet, and what are you looking for in a pet? Do you want a pet that will be happy to see you and spend time with you? Do you want a pet that you can train? Do you want a pet like a fish or reptile that you can observe and admire from afar? It’s essential to take the time to consider the role this pet will play in your life.
No matter which type of pet you choose, it can help you feel less lonely, give you a sense of purpose or accomplishment, and give you something to care for and love.
2. Do you have triggers that might make it difficult to own certain pets?
There are many things to consider when selecting a pet, and any triggers, activators, or sensory experiences are important considerations. While this may not be the first thought for many people, it is still important. When you are triggered, you may feel unwell, uneasy, and not in the best state of mind to care for yourself or your pet.
For example, for someone living with PTSD, waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of a barking dog could trigger flashbacks or intense physical and emotional reactions. Or having to clean the waste of any pet could be an overwhelming sensory experience. Triggers don’t have to deter you from getting a pet altogether, but because there are so many different types of pets, triggers are important to consider when looking for the best animal companion.
3. Do you or your pet have specific medical needs?
When deciding on which pet is best for you, it’s crucial to consider your medical needs as well as those of your potential pet. For example, are you allergic to a specific type of pet? Do you live with a chronic mental health condition like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or psychosis that could make it difficult to care for your pet if you experience an episode? Does your pet have specific medical needs that would make it difficult for you to care for them? These are all things to think about when choosing a pet.
4. Are there other pets and/or humans to consider?
Not only is it important to consider your own triggers and needs, but it is also important to consider those of other pets and humans who live with you. Would introducing a new pet into your environment lead to harmony or strife? How will your pets get along with each other? Are other people around you able to provide care and support for a new pet?
5. What's already on your plate?
Before taking on the responsibility of caring for a pet, it’s helpful to take time to reflect on what’s already on your plate. Think about what responsibilities — like work, school, hobbies, caretaking, etc. — you are already managing. Do you have the time and energy required for a pet? If you are feeling overwhelmed, but you still want animal companionship, then it may be worthwhile to see what you can take off your plate to make room for a pet in your life.
6. What level of responsibility are you looking for?
When considering what’s on your plate, it’s also a good idea to think about what level of responsibility you’re looking for when caring for a pet. Do you want a high-maintenance pet or a low-maintenance pet? Do you want a pet where you are responsible for every part of their care? Do you want a pet where you set up their environment and feed them, but they are otherwise independent?
For example, while you are responsible for their care, the daily needs of a turtle versus a dog are different. It might be a good idea to think about what level of responsibility you are able to take on right now and long-term, then go from there.
7. Do you have the right housing, space, or environment for the pet you want?
Something else to consider when thinking about the best pet for your needs is whether your home environment works for the pet that you want. For example, certain dog breeds are high-energy and require large spaces to run, and all dogs need a place to walk. Aquatic friends often require large aquariums and use a substantial amount of electricity for heating and filtering water. You also have to consider if the pet that you want is legally allowed to live with you because some apartment buildings and jurisdictions have restrictions on the type of pets or breeds you are allowed to have. Additionally, if your space already feels chaotic, unsafe, or crowded, then consider whether adding a pet to this environment will be good for your mental health and the pet’s well-being.
8. Can you afford the short-term and long-term costs of a new pet?
Caring for another being costs money. While some pets cost more than others to take care of, there’s a lot to think about when getting a new pet. Just like people, pets need food, medicine, and equipment, which will need to be replaced over the years, like leashes, lights, water conditioners, heaters, etc. Different animals have different veterinary needs. For example, dogs and cats require a lot of vaccines and annual check-ups. While animals like reptiles, fish, rodents, or others may only need to see a veterinarian when they are ill. The expenses of both regular care and emergency care for a pet can add up quickly.
If you are finding it difficult to cover the cost of living already, then getting a pet may add additional stress to your situation. Reflecting on the cost of having a pet should be a major consideration before deciding to get one.
9. Do you have access to care for your pet?
Making sure that your pet has access to the care it needs is important. For example, there may be many veterinarians in your area who treat cats and dogs, but is there an exotic vet nearby who can treat reptiles or other animals? Access to care is about more than just vets. Are there local pet stores that carry the items or do the grooming that your pet needs? Just as we need access to doctors, dentists, therapists, etc., our pets need the best access to care too.
10. How will your pet be cared for when you are away?
Finally, how will your pet get the care, attention, and support that it needs while you are away? Being away might include traveling, working long hours or shifts, or checking in for hospitalizations for a physical or mental health condition. Do you have someone you trust who will care for your pet in your place? Can you afford to hire a service to come feed, walk, and spend time with your pet when you are away? How will you continue to bond and connect with your pet? It’s worth it to take time to figure out how your pet’s needs will still be fulfilled when you are away. Reflecting on this can help you determine what type of pet works best for your lifestyle.
While pet ownership is an amazing thing, it is also a big responsibility. Caring for another living being is not something that should be taken lightly. Taking time to reflect on your needs as well as your potential pet’s needs sets you up to be great sources of love, support, and companionship for each other.
Take a mental health test
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