At one point or another in life, you may want to add a furry friend to your family, and if you are anything like the majority of the population, it doesn’t take long to fall head over heels in love with a pet.

Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. Owning a pet requires lots of time, money, and responsibility, so before you jump into pet ownership, consider the following:

  • WHY do you want a pet?
    Before you jump into the process of adopting, think about why you want to adopt a pet. Is it for companionship? Is it to replace a past pet? Is it so your child(ren) can have a playmate?
  • Do you have the time for a pet?
    Dogs and cats can live for upwards of 20 years in some instances, and when you sign that adoption contract, you are agreeing to care for this pet and all of their needs for the rest of their lives. Some things to ask yourself when considering if you have the time needed to care for a pet include:

    • Will my career allow me to have time to spend with a pet? (For example, if you are someone who travels frequently for work, your career may not allow you a lot of time to spend with a pet).
    • How many hours a day will the pet be left alone? (This is especially important to consider if you are thinking about adopting a dog.)
  • Are you prepared for the expenses associated with owning a pet?
    Owning a pet involves money. Whether it is for food, shelter, vet visits, toys or beds, there will always be an expense associated with owning a pet. Some unexpected expenses to consider include:

    • Emergency Vet Visits: similar to the cost of an emergency room visit for you, emergency vet visits get expensive fast. 
    • Specialty Food Costs: let’s say your pet needs a prescription diet, will you be able to afford it? (Consider looking at prices of prescription diets to get an idea of cost).
    • Frequent Vet Visits: perhaps your pet you are looking at develops allergies or a medical condition that requires frequent vet visits. Would you be able to afford them?
  • Are pets allowed where you live?
    Some apartments and/or townhouses do not allow pets at all, and some places have breed restrictions. Before you fill out an adoption application,  find out if you are allowed to own a pet where you live. Additionally, consider the fact of moving. In the event you move, would you be able to bring them with you?

 

  • Would you be able to care for the pet for the next 20 years of your life? 
    Keeping in mind that dogs and cats can live for upwards of 20 years, ask yourself if you are able to commit to caring for a pet for an extended period of time. If you are adopting a pet in your older years, we suggest making a plan for the pet(s) in the event something were to happen to you, or you become unable to care for the pet.