How to Become a Responsible Pet Owner

Pets bring joy, companionship, and health benefits such as lower blood pressure and reduced depression. However, caring for a living creature is a huge responsibility. Before you bring home a new puppy, kitten, or hatchling, you must prepare with the following tips from Hoof and Paw Holistic Therapies.

Find the Right Pet for You

While dogs and cats are the most popular pets, you have plenty of other options:

• Rabbits

• Guinea pigs

• Mice, rats, and gerbils

• Birds

• Turtles, snakes, and lizards

• Frogs

• Fish

PawTracks notes that all have different needs, so it's essential to do your research beforehand. As you make your decision, consider the following:

• How much space you have

• What your schedule looks like

• How active you are

• If you have allergies

If you decide to get a dog, you can buy from a pet store, adopt from a shelter, or purchase from a reputable and ethical breeder. According to research, 10 million people in Britain own a dog, likely because they offer reliable information about puppies' parentage through certified pedigree papers.

Reduce Anxiety for You and Your Pet

Animals often feel anxious in new environments, especially if they come from a shelter. Try to establish a routine as soon as possible. Additionally, the food they eat matters. To reduce your pet's anxiety, try offering them toys, as well.

Pets can also sense their owners' anxiety, which can cause them to become anxious in turn. Take care of yourself with de-stressing techniques:

• Meditate

• Exercise

• Eat healthy meals

• Connect with loved ones

Find a Vet

You should find a veterinarian before getting a pet to ensure you're not scrambling in an emergency. As you look for a vet, consider the following:

• How close is the clinic?

• What type of animals does it treat?

• What is its schedule?

• What do the customer reviews say?

• Is after-hours care available?

If you can, visit the clinic and talk to the staff. Doing so will help you gauge how they'll treat your pet during care.

Create a Designated Pet Space

All pets need a quiet, comfortable place to retreat when tired or overwhelmed. You can create this safe space with a few items:

• Toys

• Blankets

• Pet beds

• Food and water dishes

Look for top-notch pet gear. You should also read customer reviews to ensure a toy or bed is right for your pet.

Look Into Pet Insurance

Most homeowners' and renters’ insurance doesn't cover pets. Instead, you should look into pet insurance policies to ensure you're covered under the following circumstances:

• Your pet bites someone

• Your pet gets lost

• Your pet gets sick

Prepare Your Backyard

If you want an outdoor pet, you may need to renovate your backyard. Certain plants are poisonous to dogs and cats, and some breeds are prone to escape. Homes.com points out that the following changes can make your backyard more pet-friendly:

• Prevent standing water from accumulating

• Trim the grass regularly

• Create shady spots

• Ensure your fence is in good condition

Add Pet Costs to Your Budget

Getting a pet can be expensive, so prospective owners should examine their finances to ensure they have the necessary resources. You must account for spaying or neutering, the purchasing price, and initial supplies, as well as these recurring costs:

• Food

• Licensing

• Toys

• Vet visits

Caring for a pet is tremendous work, but it's a uniquely rewarding experience. Many owners feel their pets are part of the family, and their bonds are unshakeable. With patience, forethought, and dedication, you can create a loving environment where you and your pet flourish.

Image via Pexels

Hoof and Paw Holistic Therapies provides holistic animal therapy services, products and education courses to help your animals be their happiest, healthiest selves. Contact us today for more info! +44 07904280264