6 Questions To Ask Yourself Before You’re Ready For A Pet

Thinking of getting a dog, cat or other pet but aren't sure if you're ready? Caring for a pet does require a lot of time and effort, so it's important to make sure that you're prepared before making that commitment. Here are some ways to tell if you should start searching for your new pet or hold off.

Time

Certain types of pets will require more of your time than others. Dogs, in particular, need to go on regular walks in order to eliminate outdoors and to get some exercise. They also need to be socialized, so they'll get used to being around other dogs and people. Keep in mind that if your job schedule doesn't allow you to come home during the day for walks or if you need to go on business trips, you can hire a professional dog walker or pet sitter on CareBooker to help care for your pet while you're away.

Budget

The costs of caring for a dog or cat can add up quickly. From vet visits to bags or cans of food, you'll need to estimate how much a pet will likely cost you and determine if you have enough money available. Don't forget to add in other expenses, such as:

professional pet grooming pet toys collar, tags and license

Space

Make sure you have enough space for a pet. While cats, small dogs and even some larger dog breeds do alright in a small apartment or house, others need a lot of room inside and a yard to get plenty of exercise.

Responsibilities

One of the most important parts of having a pet is taking good care of them. This means feeding them, making sure they have clean water at all times, going for walks if you have a dog, brushing their coat and bathing them. Keep in mind that if you want a dog, you'll also need to do obedience training. You can do this on your own or with the help of one of CareBooker's professional dog trainers.

Challenges

Pets offer a lot of benefits, such as reducing stress, but they can also be challenging to deal with. Think about how you'll handle these challenges if they occur. Are you willing to attend dog training sessions to correct a behavioral problem? Can you handle the accidents that are bound to happen before your cat learns to use a litter box?

Future Changes

Before making the decision of whether or not to get a pet, think about any possible changes that might come up in the near future. Are you planning on switching jobs, moving to a new place or starting a family? If so, consider how these changes could affect your pet. Dogs and cats sometimes have trouble adjusting to being in a new home or suddenly having a new family member around.