Providing a new home for any animal is sure to be an exciting and often rewarding experience. Before purchasing a new pet however, it is important to consider a number of different factors, which may help you decide if you are ready for a pet.
PayingTooMuch.com, a leading independent price comparison website for pet insurance, has provided a handy checklist to assist with deciding if you are ready to purchase your pet and helping you to do your research before taking the plunge.
Checklist For Purchasing A Pet
Lifestyle
It is important to consider whether your new pet will fit into your lifestyle. Are you an active person who would be well suited to a more active animal? Or do you lead a more sedentary lifestyle, with less time to take an animal out for exercise?
Do you spend long hours working at the office? Or are you based at home, or able to pop home on your lunch break?
Dogs will require regular exercise and attention. Puppies in particular will not enjoy being left alone at home all day. So perhaps consider whether you can adjust your lifestyle to accommodate a dog. Cats on the other hand are very self-sufficient and look after themselves – perfect for busy professionals. Other animals, including guinea pigs, do not require adult supervision to get their exercise. Plus guinea pigs are cute, right?
Home Environment
Certain breeds of dogs, such as the Border Collie, require frequent exercise. Cats are more independent and with the provision of a cat flap, able to get the exercise that they require.
It’s important to consider if you have the required space for your pet. Do you have the space required for bedding, food and water bowls and any extra additions a pet may need?
A garden is obviously a must for any dog, guinea pig, rabbit etc. but may not be required for a cat.
Family
Do you have children? If so, it is essential that your new addition is compatible with being around children.
Do you frequently host gatherings or social events? A pet that is comfortable with strangers and around noise will be required.
Even fish can get stressed out from loud music and banging.
Finances
Taking on a new pet can be a large financial responsibility. In addition to the cost of purchasing your pet, there will be many other necessary costs incurred including bedding, water and feeding bowls, a lead/collar (if appropriate), vaccination costs, vet bills and insurance.
A recent blog post showed how the lifetime cost of owning a dog is over £13,000! Imagine the heartbreak if you had to re-home your pet because you couldn’t afford to keep it.
Pet Insurance
If your pet falls ill or becomes injured, the cost of veterinary bills can run in to the thousands. Pet insurance will pay for the cost of veterinary treatment following an illness or accident. Third party liability cover will also cover the costs if your dog causes an accident, injury or damage to a person or their property. Some insurance plans will even cover the costs of advertising if your pet should become lost or stolen and a reward to get your pet back. It’s therefore important to be covered for any unexpected events and ensure that you take out an appropriate pet insurance policy.
Shopping around to find the most competitive price for your pet insurance can often be confusing and time consuming. PayingTooMuch.com does the hard work for you, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying your new addition to the family.
