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The best gift in the world - Welcoming a pet into your home has countless benefits. The main ones are, of course, companionship and the privilege of an animal’s unconditional love. But our furry friends do more for us than we even know.

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The surprising health benefits -

Pets have been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, encourage exercise, and improve cardiovascular health. Spending time with animals makes us feel less lonely ,and brings out our playful side, sparking joy with their lovable innocence.

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Giving back - Considering the numerous ways animals benefit us in our daily lives, it’s only fair that we return the favor and ensure our pets are happy and healthy.

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Love isn't always enough - Many animal lovers jump into getting a pet at the first opportunity, assuming that their love of animals will make having a dog a walk in the park (pun intended). But caring for a pet is a big responsibility that comes with significant lifestyle changes. Whether it’s a hamster or a German Shepherd, you’ll have to adapt to the needs of another living being.

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Look out for these warning signs -

There’s rarely a perfect time to make a big lifestyle change, so how do we know when the moment is right? The following are a few signs that you might not be ready.

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1. You don’t have a routine - Most people thrive when they have a regular routine. It makes life less stressful and gives us a sense of stability and security. The same goes for animals. It'll be challenging to create a healthy routine for your new pet if you don't have one for yourself.

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2. You’re lacking in self-care -

Our pets need us to be on top of things in our own life so we can adequately manage their needs. If you’re someone who struggles with getting enough sleep, can’t keep up with household chores, and always puts off getting that checkup at the doctor, you might need some more time to focus on yourself before welcoming an animal into your life.

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2. You’re lacking in self-care - There are countless sayings that tell us we can’t take care of others unless we’re also taking care of ourselves. You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re thinking about taking on the responsibility of a pet, you’d ideally be in a good place with your self-care habits first.

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3. You have lots of travel plans - Traveling is becoming more and more accessible as globalization creates more affordable and convenient connections. It’s natural and healthy to want to get out and explore the world. It’s just not ideal to get a dog if you’re planning to spend a month backpacking through Southeast Asia in the near future, for example.

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3. You have lots of travel plans -

Some experts say that it can take anything from several months to a year for a pet to feel settled and secure in their new home. If you start taking trips before they’re ready, they may feel upset and agitated whenever you leave (once they’re fully settled, you can certainly travel, particularly if you have a reliable pet sitter lined up).

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4. You move frequently -

Many pets spend most of their life indoors, in our homes. This makes their world a lot smaller, and makes them a lot more sensitive to change and new environments. House cats in particular can often take quite a while to feel safe in a new space.

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4. You move frequently -

If you’ve been moving a lot, it might be worth waiting until you’re in a more stable, long-term living situation before getting a pet. The moving process can be very stressful for them (and you!), and can lead to behavioral issues such as sudden aggression, irritability, or refusal to eat.

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5. You just got a new job -

Adjusting to a new job requires a lot of our time and energy as we figure out our new routine and the skills that are required. As mentioned previously, animals need a reliable routine to adhere to. It’s likely best to give yourself time to settle into a new job before taking on another big life change like getting a pet.

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6. Money is tight -

Taking care of a pet can be surprisingly expensive. From buying quality food, to vet visits, to hiring a pet sitter when you’re traveling, it can all really add up. If your heart is bigger than your wallet, it might not be the right time.

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7. You’d have to hide them from the landlord -

It might work for a while, but if you’re unlucky and the landlord catches on, you may end up separated from your beloved pet. Housing issues are one of the main reasons that animals are returned to shelters.

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7. You’d have to hide them from the landlord - If you’re not a homeowner, have you checked whether your landlord allows pets? Many people take in pets despite their landlord’s policies on animals, which can sometimes lead to a heartbreaking situation.

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8. You don’t have a long-term plan -

Where will you be in a few years? Are you confident that you’ll be financially stable enough to maintain a consistent quality of life for your pet for years to come? Are you sure you won’t be moving anywhere you can’t take them?

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Green flags! - Now, let’s take a look at a few of the green flags that indicate you might be ready for a pet!

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1. You have time to train and socialize them -

If you’re taking in a puppy or a kitten, it’s important to be able to spend a great deal of time with them in the first weeks to acclimatize them and take care of them until they're more self-sufficient. This could even mean taking some time off work or arranging to work remotely for a week or two.

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1. You have time to train and socialize them -

Depending on the animal, you may need to train them even if they’re not a baby. They’ll need to adjust to your home and understand the boundaries, such as not jumping on the kitchen counters or barking in the middle of the night.

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2. You’ve done your research -

The first thing to do when deciding to welcome an animal into the family is to educate yourself. If you’ve already spent time researching what it takes to care for your desired pet, that’s an excellent sign.

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2. You’ve done your research -

Many factors need to be considered such as which animal or breed suits your home and lifestyle, what their needs are, and how much caring for them is likely to cost.

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3. You’re financially stable - A new pet is likely to need some trips to the vet for checkups, vaccines, neutering/spaying, and microchipping. In addition to that, there are cute toys and soft beds to be purchased! You’ll need to be able to comfortably cover those costs, as well as have something put away for medical emergencies.

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4. You’re prepared to get up early -

Pets don’t usually sleep in, so it’s a good start if you’re already an early bird. Dogs may need to be walked before your working day starts, and cats sometimes start bouncing off the walls at 5 am.

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5. You’ve fostered a pet to see what it’s like - During the COVID-19 pandemic, many kind animal lovers opened their doors to foster animals while they worked from home. This practice can save many lives and is also an effective crash course in animal care. If you’ve taken in a puppy for a month before they were ready for their forever home, then you certainly know what it takes to add an animal to your life.

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Recommended steps to take before getting a pet - Find reliable resources and get into the nitty-gritty. Find out all about the different animals and breeds you’re looking for so that you find the perfect match. If you’re adopting, make sure you know how the process works. Come up with a strategy for training and acclimatizing your new pet for the initial weeks and months. Try to estimate a budget for your future pet’s expenses and see if it’s feasible.

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Consider your needs - If you’re headed for retirement, you might be looking for a laid-back senior pet to take it easy with you. If you’re a couple living in an apartment but hoping to upgrade to something bigger, why not take in a cat? If you’ve got a couple of young children with lots of energy, then a rambunctious puppy might be in the cards!

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Lifestyle compatibility - If you’re out of the house all day and the pet will be alone, make sure you choose an animal or breed that is less likely to suffer from separation anxiety.

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Talk to other owners -

Reach out to others who’ve gone through the same process, whether that be toilet training a puppy in an apartment, or adopting a mix-breed dog from a shelter. Those with firsthand experience may be able to offer valuable insights.

Sources: (WebMD Pet Health Center) (Bustle) (Scollar) (Vetstreet) 

See also: The amazing benefits of having a childhood pet

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