Getting a family pet? Read these 5 tips first!

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Considering getting a family pet?

Perhaps your kids have reached an age when they can share some of the responsibility for a friendly pooch?

Or you want a cat who’ll sit in your laps while you watch TV and amuse you with its insouciant personality?

Maybe a parrot is a perfect companion?

Of a fish could be your next best friend?

But hold your horses before you bring any furry, feathered, or clawed creature into your household.

Because we’ve got five tips you should definitely read first!

Make sure pet care can really fit your lifestyle

For instance, before you get a dog, just paws (sorry) for a second and consider whether you can really make it home every lunchtime to take him out for his walk, whether he should really be left alone in the house for any length of time and if he has access to an outdoor area to stretch his legs.

A cat can take itself for a walk (a cat-flap helps if it’s allowed outdoors) but someone still has to make sure its litter gets changes and it’s fed on time.

If you’re unsure, check out this article on deciding which pet’s right for you from the Independent.

Draw up a rota of pet duties

Now you’ve decided that you can integrate a pet in your lifestyle, it’s time to get down to the business of who’s doing what in terms of pet duties.

So draw up a rota where duties are divided fairly and, as much as possible, stick to it. It’ll mean that your furry friend is taken care of, and that you avoid arguments in the household. Sorted.

Register with a vet

Registering with a vet is crucial. In many countries, microchipping and vaccinations are mandatory for animals like domestic dogs and getting to know a reliable practice means that your new family member will be in rude health for the duration. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best pet food for your animal, such as Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend.

Plus, if your vet works with partners like Avacta Animal Health, you’ve got peace of mind they can help with conditions like allergies too.

Make your house pet-friendly/pet-proof

If you’re particularly houseproud and have lots of delicate soft furnishings, delicate artwork and fragile ornaments, your home décor is about to change dramatically.

With an untrained pet in the picture, it’ll look like someone’s thrown a hand grenade in the room, waited for the dust to settle and then had a dirty protest before departing.

So pet-proof your home. Google it. You’ve been warned.

Vote on a pet name

You want to call your cat ‘The Reverend Alfred Cheesemonger’, while your wife prefers plain ‘Dave’ and your kids are adamant that ‘Robotiddles’ is just right.

If you play dictator, you’ll alienate the rest of your family and your pet will pick up on the bad vibes. So the only resolution is to have a democratic vote. And don’t forget – this is a name you’ll probably have to shout loudly in public frequently, so choose wisely! If you’re completely flummoxed, there’s actually a handy pet name chooser on Google Play.

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