This is a Guest Post by Jane Warren, pet lover and website author. If you would like to Guest Post for Baby Boomers US, check out our Guest Post for Us page.
"Whoever said money can't buy happiness forgot about puppies," according to Gene Hill, and I have to agree. Few things in life are as irresistible as a soft, wiggly puppy, full of vim and vigor. Those dastardly pet stores are banking on a puppy's undeniable charm as their most powerful marketing tool.
But before you spontaneously bring home a puppy — or any other pet, for that matter — spend some time in careful consideration. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment. Dogs and cats, on average live 10 years or longer. Some lizards and turtles can live as long as 20 to 30 years. A pet is entirely dependent upon you for shelter, food, attention and medical care.
Think carefully about the amount of time, money and energy you have to devote to a pet, and select a pet that matches your lifestyle. Choosing a pet on a whim is often a recipe for disaster. On the other hand, if you take selecting a pet seriously, chances are, you'll find the perfect pet for you and your family.
Below are a few factors to consider:
- Time. Most pets require at least some attention everyday. Dogs generally require the most attention, while fish or lizards require the least. The single professional working 40-80 hours a week is probably not a good candidate for an attention-loving dog. If you have limited time, get a cat, guinea pig, fish or lizard instead.
- Space. Again, dogs usually take up the most space, depending on the breed. They also need an outdoor area to run and do their business. If you lack space, consider getting a cat or fish instead.
- Activity level. If you've still got active kids or grandkids who love to run in the backyard, a playful puppy or large dog is probably a good fit. On the other hand, young children who play roughly may accidentally hurt small or fragile animals. A friend of mine had an adorable hedgehog named Avery. Her three-year granddaughter old accidentally dropped this little guy, causing the hedgehog's death.
- Shared responsibilities. Spouses/Parents often get a pet after the child or another family member has promised to care for it. In general, this arrangement doesn't work out very well. Most kids are not capable of caring for a pet entirely on their own. You should be prepared to shoulder some of the responsibility, such a cleaning the litter box, or changing the dog pee pads.
- Budget. Buying a dog isn't cheap, especially if you go to a reputable breeder. Shelters are a more affordable option, but you'll still spend between $50 and $100. Other pets can also be very expensive, depending on where you buy them and what type of pet you get. In addition to the initial expense, think about other expenses, such as food, bedding, dog greenies dental chews, medical care and toys. Choose a pet that you can afford to take care of properly for many years, and one that potentially won’t outlive you!
- Living arrangements. Before you buy a pet, check with landlords or home owners' associations who may have restrictions in place on the kind of pets allowed. The last thing you want to do is bring home a pet, only to find that you can't keep it.
- Travel. If you travel a lot, who will watch your pet while you are gone? Are you willing to spend the money to pay for boarding?
Once you've made a realistic assessment of your lifestyle, do a little research on pets. Read online articles or talk with your friends to find a pet that suits your needs. Once you've decided on a specific type of pet, read up on breeds to narrow your choices even more. The time you spend selecting a pet will repay you for years to come.
About the Author: Jane Warren has been an animal lover all her life and has written many articles on animals. She maintains a website, Pamper the Pets, that offers money-saving tips and advice to pet owners, as well as reviews on pet products.
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