Americans love their pets. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), in 2017, 68% of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, owned a pet. This number has been steadily increasing for years; in fact, the percent of American households owning pets has increased by 12% since 2007. There are many reasons people choose to own a pet, but the most common one is companionship.
What type of pet is right for me?
Pets can provide many benefits to their owners, such as companionship, exercise, and love. However, before you go out and buy a pet, take some time to consider what type of animal would be a good fit for you. One of the most important is figuring out what type of animal would be a good fit for you and your lifestyle. If you work long hours and aren't home a lot, a pet that needs constant attention may not be the best choice for you. Consider whether you have enough space for a large animal or if you're more comfortable with a small one. Pets can provide companionship, love, and security, but they also require a lot of work and planning so being prepared to welcome home a new friend is a key part of the decision process.
Size Matters:
Not all animals are created equal
When it comes to choosing a new pet, size definitely matters. Not all animals are created equal, and some are better suited for smaller homes than others.
Dogs make great pets for families with children and singles alike, but they require plenty of exercise and room to run. If you live in a small apartment, a medium-large dog may not be the best fit for you. Cats, on the other hand, are perfect for smaller living spaces. They can be litter box trained and only require a moderate amount of exercise. With that being said, small dogs such as Chihuahuas, Bulldogs, Pugs and Dachshunds are just some of the many small breed that can be a perfect fit to apartment life! Birds and fish are also good choices for small homes. Birds can be kept in cages that take up very little space, and fish can be housed in tanks that measure just a few gallons.
When it comes to choosing a new pet, size definitely matters. Make sure you choose an animal that will be happy and comfortable in your home environment.
Time
Do you have time for a new pet? Pets can provide companionship and love, but they also require care and attention. If you're not sure if you have enough time to commit to a new pet, here are some things to consider.
First, consider how much free time you have. Pets need regular playtime and exercise. If your schedule is already full, adding a pet may be too difficult and may even hurt the relationship between both you and the pet. Second, think about your work hours. Pets need to be fed and let out regularly, no matter what time of day or night it is. If you're not home during the day and your pet would be alone for long periods of time, that's not ideal.
Third, consider your family situation. Some pets are better suited for families with kids than others. While dogs and cats make great pets for families of all sizes, they require more time and consideration than others such as fish and birds. Talking with your family and considering each member’s schedule should play a key role in the decision making process.
Consider your budget:
Owning a pet can be expensive, so make sure you are aware of the costs involved before making a decision.
When considering adding a pet to the family, it's important to be aware of the costs involved in owning one. Pets can be expensive, particularly when it comes to vet care and supplies. Dogs can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 annually for food, toys, vet care, and other needs. Cats typically cost less, but they still require food, litter, toys, and vet care. It is important to consider that not all pets are made equal when it comes to cost and as any pet becomes older the more it may cost to keep them happy and healthy.
Do your research
Learn as much as you can about the different types of animals available before making a decision.
When it comes to getting a new pet, there are a lot of things to consider. One of the most important is choosing the right animal for your home and lifestyle. Different animals require different levels of care, and some may be better suited for your personality and living situation than others. Before you decide on a new pet, it's important to do your research. Learn as much as you can about the different types of animals available and their needs. This will help you make an informed decision about which pet is right for you.
