If you’re someone who craves the company of animals and are always thinking about how amazing your life will get once you have your own furry friend, this article is for you. Pets are a blessing to the human race, but everyone should know that having a pet just for entertainment (sounds ridiculous, but such people exist) is wrong. Did you see a cute pug video on Instagram and were tempted to own a pug puppy out of impulse? Or did a cat’s unique antics amuse you and you thought, “Oh, it would be so much fun if I had a cat”! Stop right there. There’s a lot more thinking you need to do before you make that wish into reality. Here’s a bunch of stuff you need to think about before getting yourself a pet.
Adopt, don’t shop
 

Adopt, don’t shop

If we try and get into the details of how breeding works, it would probably take us ages. Indians are obsessed and fascinated with breeds like St. Bernards, Huskies etc. that they spend tons of money on purchasing these pups. These breeds require special climatic conditions to survive and be happy. So, a St. Bernard roaming on the streets of Mumbai will not only be cruel but also unfair. Breeders operate through puppy mills where innocent pups are tortured and cross-bred without keeping their genetics in mind. By adopting a stray, you’re giving home to a dog or a cat who needs it. So, don’t spend your money in buying pets from pet shops, instead, spend it on medication for strays. We recommend visiting adoption camps to get a better insight on things!

Do your research
 

Do your research

It’s important to do a thorough research to see if you’re well equipped to take the animal’s needs into consideration. This is with regards to space, food, how their behaviour is. For example, pups need a lot of space to run around and play, and when they grow, they need even more of it. Cats, on the other hand dwell well in small, cosy places. This is the reason why adoption organizations conduct house checks as part of the adoption process. Hamsters, fish, turtles etc., goes without saying, need the least amount of space. Also, it’s extremely important to spend time with your pet, talk to them and make them feel loved. If you belong to a family where everyone works and no one’s home all day, it’s best that you don’t get a dog. Cats can go quite a few hours on their own, they like their own company!

Never Gift
 

Never Gift

Gifting a pet to someone from your own family is a different thing. But never gift a pet to someone just because they love animals or might have mentioned how badly they want a pet. What if they’re not equipped? What if their family has an objection? You never know!

Finances

Having a pet is a responsibility. Just like humans, they too get sick and need to be taken to the vet regularly. They need to be vaccinated, dewormed, groomed. This requires money, so it only makes sense to get a pet if you’re willing to spend regularly for your pets.

That was a brief roundup of the things you need to keep in mind before getting a pet. If all the points mentioned above are ticked off your checklist, you’re good to go! However, if you love animals but still don’t have the bandwidth to keep a pet, you can always help in animal rescues and foster pets for a short duration of time till they get a forever home!

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