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6 Things You Should Know Before Adopting a Pet

May 25, 2018 by Mary Telesz

a dog with his new owner who read about things you should know before adopting a petConsidering adopting a pet? Pets are wonderful additions to any family; from a single individual looking for a companion, to large families who still feel their family is a member short. Pets bring joy and love to any household, but they also come with a lot of responsibility. If you’re a first-time pet owner, there are a lot of factors you need to consider before deciding to adopt. You may be tempted to rush into this decision, but it’s important that you take your time and consider what the reality of owning a pet would look like for you. Below are the top things you should know before adopting a pet:

1. Money

While this may seem obvious to some, many people overlook the financial obligations that come with having a pet. You’ll have to provide them with food every day, toys to entertain them, and a safe place for them to sleep, etc. You also have to consider regular vet visits, vaccines, hygiene and dental care; and depending on where you’re adopting your pet from, you may have to consider operations like neutering or spaying.

Like humans, pets can also develop medical conditions. If they develop an illness or are injured, they may require treatment which can become quite costly in some cases. While these are things you can never truly plan for, you should consider your ability to cover these costs should illnesses occur at any stage of the pets life.

2. Time

Pets require a lot of your time, especially if you’re adopting them at a super young age. They need training, attention, love, exercise, etc. On top of that, they are also completely dependent on you for survival, so you need to make sure they are consistently fed, t have water, and that they are able to relieve themselves. Owning a pet is a full-time job and takes serious commitment.

Although you must consider how much available time you have to devote to your pet, it doesn’t just have to be only “serious” time. Much of time spent with your pet will involve fun and play! Pets want loads love and attention which you should be sure to give openly and happily. Time spent with your pet should be a treat, not a chore. The time and attention you’re willing to give your pet can play a role in what breed you choose, as some breeds are more independent, while others need more attention.

3. Space

dog slumped in her bed that was provided by her pet sitting serviceThe amount of room you have in your living space should play a huge role in deciding what pet and breed to adopt. Some pets don’t need a lot of space and are more suitable for smaller homes and apartments, while other pets need large spaces and lots of room outside to run around and play. You want your pet to be as happy as possible, so make sure they can thrive in the environment you’re providing.

Pets also require their own space too. They may need accommodations like a crate or bed, and they need room to move and live. If you’re considering adopting a cat, you need to consider the space you have available for a litter box. Your home will be their home, so you should make sure it’s comfortable and suitable for them.

4.Family Members Or Other Pets

You should also consider how your family members will play a role in the adoption of a pet. There are many questions to consider when taking into account your family’s potential effects on a pet. Do you have young children? Will they be able to respect and care for the pet? Will the pet be kid friendly? Does anyone in your family have allergies? If you want to ensure that your pet will be a wonderful addition to your family, you must make sure that your family members are also able to do their best to provide a happy home for your pet.

5.Where To Adopt From

Where you plan to adopt your pet from is extremely important. Are you going to adopt from a local breeder? From a shelter? Your choice of a breeder or shelter will affect the age of the pet you’re looking to adopt, how much training they will require, and how well they will adapt to your home. You should also consider your ability to train your pet, as a pet from a shelter may already have some previous training.

6. Commitment

Above all else, your overall commitment to your pet is the determining factor in your decision to adopt one. Can you fully commit your time, finances, and home space? Is your day-to-day life steady enough to accommodate a pet? Contemplate your work schedule. Will you be gone for long periods of time? Do you travel a lot? How will your pet fare during these times of your absence?

a dog being walked by an employee of a professional dog walking service in Fairfax, VAEven if you work long hours don’t let a hectic work schedule deter you from adopting a pet, there is an easy solution; hire a professional dog walking service. They provide only the best, personalized care for your dog both in your home and on walks. When they come over for a walk, your dog will receive plenty of exercise, attention, and care that you may be unable to provide every day with your busy schedule.

If you’re traveling an even better solution is hiring a professional pet sitting service. With these services, there are many different options to choose from, so that you can find the one that works best for you and your pet. Your pet can stay home and receive care from a sitter during the day (they will even water your plants and bring in your mail if you want!), or you could even allow your pet-sitter to welcome your pet into their home to receive in more love and attention.

Adopting a pet can be one of the best decisions you ever make in your life, and with these things you should know before adopting a pet, the process will be made easier. Just remember to plan ahead to make sure your pet will receive the most love and happiness “humanly possible”!

Filed Under: Pet Advice

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Paw Pals specializes in professional dog walking, dog sitting, and pet sitting services. One of our reliable, adult staff members will keep your pet safe, while providing your pet the love and care they need when you are away. Contact us to learn more!

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Paw Pals Pet Sitting, LLC
14001-C Saint Germain Drive #213
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 345-1695

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Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
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Andrea Hall
Andrea Hall
22:45 03 Oct 20
I wasn't sure about hiring a new doggie walker service... after all they are our kiddos... my babies were in great hands and I felt relaxed having them in their care. Thank you for everything!
Phillip Evans
Phillip Evans
14:38 11 Jul 20
When we adopted our new dog in January, Paw Pals agreed to walk her and give her some outside time so she wasn't in the crate all day. She loved her dog walker and you could see her excitement every time the walker showed up. We moved out of the area but would recommend Paw Pals to anyone needing someone to care for their pets.
Katie Russell
Katie Russell
15:01 17 May 20
Paw Pals is fantastic! I have had a great experience with Mary! Compassionate, professional, responsive, and prompt! Thank you!
Kristin Conrad
Kristin Conrad
16:00 16 Nov 19
We are so grateful we found Mary and her team at Paw Pals. They are exceptionally responsive, amazingly organized and detail-oriented.We have such peace of mind when we travel knowing our home and pets are so well cared for. Paw Pals is the best pet sitting service we’ve used, and we’re so happy we found them.
Dr Tammy Cashion
Dr Tammy Cashion
21:11 12 Mar 19
We have used Paw pals pet sitting on multiple occasions for our bunnies while we are away. Many pet sitters are not interested in small pets however; Mary and her team, are amazing and we trust her implicitly! We are very happy with the outstanding service we have received from her team including texts and photos of our pets when we are out of town. They always go the extra mile and we highly recommend them!
Cindy Welgoss
Cindy Welgoss
13:12 27 Nov 20
We have been using Paw Pals for several years, and through a variety of pets that we have loved. Mary and her team have always been *exceptional* in every way. They are professional, courteous, and truly love our fur family! Mary herself is an organized and stellar administrator of her pet care business, keeping detailed records of our pet’s needs, scheduled pet visits, payments, and balance due easy to keep track of as the pet owner. The pet caretaking team is reliable and trustworthy. When our dogs see any of their Paw Pal friends, they get SO excited to see them! Follow up comments are left via text to keep the pet owner informed of the visit and how the pets are faring. Paw Pals has allowed our family the peace of mind to leave our pets at home, for work, weekend getaways and longer times away when necessary, where they are the most comfortable and familiar. We are grateful to Mary and her team for giving us the ability to enjoy pet ownership without feeling tied down. The responsibility of having pets comes with the need to keep them safe and comfortable at all times, and Mary and her team affords us this when our family has to be away.
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