Getting a dog or a cat is a huge undertaking and something that you shouldn’t take lightly. More than 100,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in Texas every year, and many of these deaths are avoidable. The main reason that dogs and cats get euthanized is that they’re abandoned by their owners, who didn’t think things through when purchasing them.
They wrongly assumed that their pet would be easy and cheap to care for. Unfortunately, dogs and cats often end up costing more than what people expect them to and require more work and training than people want to give. As a result, they get dropped off at the local shelter, where they’ll more than likely get euthanized.
- 9 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog or Cat
- Why You Shouldn’t Get a Dog or Cat Without Considering These Things
- Final Thoughts
9 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog or Cat
How Much Time You Have
The first thing you should know about dogs and cats is that they take a ton of time to care for, especially when they’re younger. Dogs need to get let out for potty breaks every two to three hours when they’re getting housetrained. Beyond that, they take a ton of time to train and get accommodated to your home. Cats, on the other hand, don’t require as much care or attention and they can do their business in a litter box.
The Cost of Ongoing Care
While purchasing or adopting a pet upfront can be fairly costly, it’s nothing compared to what ongoing care will cost. You’ll have to take them to the vet for annual checkups, purchase food, pay for boarding and babysitting costs, and much more. You should have a bit of money saved up to pay for these expenses before purchasing a dog or cat.
Your Lifestyle
While many people want a dog or cat, pets aren’t always fitting to their lifestyles. Dogs and cats require care and attention, and it’s best when you’re the one to provide it to them, especially in the first two years of their life. If you live life on the go and can’t take your pet with you on your travels, you should wait to get a dog or cat until your lifestyle is more accommodating.
Access to Space
Another thing you’ll quickly notice about pets, especially dogs, is that they need space to run. Space is necessary for all dogs, but especially active breeds such as retrievers, labradores, German Shepherds, and other large breeds. If dogs don’t have space to run and exert their energy, they are more prone to behave badly and tear your home apart.
If you don’t have access to a fenced-in yard, you should have access to a friend’s yard or a local dog park. Trust me when I say that space to run off energy is necessary, not just for your dog, but for you as well.
Housing Restrictions
It’s common for landlords to have strict rules regarding pets on their premises. If you live in an apartment, you should always double-check with your landlord that pets are ok and that there aren’t sizing restrictions.
Additionally, if you live in a house, you should check with your local HOA to make sure that pets are ok. It would be a shame to bring a dog or cat home, only to discover that you can’t keep them there because of pet restrictions.
Choose a Pet That’s Right for You
Something to consider very carefully is that you choose the pet that’s right for you. You should think about the age of the animal, any pre-existing health conditions and needs, and the size and breed of the pet. If you have a busy lifestyle and aren’t at home very much, cats are a better fit than dogs, because they aren’t as needy.
However, cats that aren’t trained properly can still tear your home apart and damage furniture, carpet, and other items.
Be Patient and Willing to Train Them
Whether you prefer a dog or a cat, you should always be ready, willing, and patient enough to train them. Dogs, in particular, have a puppy stage that lasts for several months, during which time they’re prone to pooping and peeing inside your home. They will also have more energy and be difficult to train during this time. However, the puppy stage is the best time to train dogs.
Have a Vet Lined Up
Dogs and cats alike will need early and ongoing veterinary care from someone that you trust. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have a vet lined up before getting a dog or cat to avoid last-minute run-arounds.
Spaying and Neutering
One of the main reasons for the high amount of dogs and cats that get euthanized in Texas is because of unplanned pregnancies. Therefore, part of being a responsible dog or cat owner is strongly considering getting your pet spayed or neutered. If you don’t plan to raise puppies or kittens, spaying and neutering is an excellent way to prevent unplanned litters of dogs and cats.
Why You Shouldn’t Get a Dog or Cat Without Considering These Things
Getting a dog or a cat is a huge undertaking and something that you shouldn’t take lightly. More than 100,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in Texas every year, and many of these deaths are avoidable. The main reason that dogs and cats get euthanized is that they’re abandoned by their owners, who didn’t think things through when purchasing them.
They wrongly assumed that their pet would be easy and cheap to care for. Unfortunately, dogs and cats often end up costing more than what people expect them to and require more work and training than people want to give. As a result, they get dropped off at the local shelter, where they’ll more than likely get euthanized.
Final Thoughts
By purchasing or adopting a dog or cat, you’re making them a promise that you’ll care for them and give them what they need. They’re expensive and needy animals that will take up a good chunk of your free time and will cost money upfront and down the road. If you don’t want to add to the growing tally of pets that get euthanized in Texas, you should consider the things in this article before getting a dog or a cat.
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