First and foremost, do your research! Adopting an animal can be a big undertaking and a major commitment of resources. To effectively care for your potential new pet, you really must know what their needs are. But equally important to knowing that is that you must know yourself and your lifestyle.
Time & Energy
Have a decent general breakdown of your weekly activities and duties, and know whether or not an animal might fit into that schedule. Frequently working overtime? That could make it difficult to get your new border collie out before or after work. Or it might mean you’re up at 5 am to do that 3 mile run (because it’s a border collie) so you still have time to get home, prepare for your day, and be to work on time. Oh, and don’t forget the post-work exercise and enrichment (because it’s a border collie!) If that’s your jam, have at it. But the key is to know and be prepared for it.
Traveling frequently? Make sure your potential new pet will be OK having other people check in on them while you’re away. That anxiety-prone dog that guards the home from strangers might not be the best choice, even if they’re exactly what you’re looking for in every other regard.
And remember, even allegedly “low effort” animals require a significant investment of time. Cats like to be played with, some reptiles enjoy being held and interacted with, fish tanks and terrariums require regular upkeep—there’s no animal that won’t require a significant portion of your time and energy! Adopting an animal, regardless of species, is a big commitment!
Cost
So, now that you know you’re able to carve out ample time and energy for your new pet, it’s time to consider your budget. These days, adoption and rescue fees are generally pretty cheap (depending on the specific type of animal you’re considering)—heck, many people are just giving away animals for free online—but you need to plan further out than that. First off, you’ll need all the adequate supplies and housing. And besides just cages or terrariums, housing costs may include pet deposits or additional monthly fees tacked onto your rent. Don’t be caught off guard!
And of course, there will always be the cost of food and health care for the duration of the animal’s life. I group these two considerations together because they’re highly interrelated. You’ll want to be providing your animal with the highest quality diet you can muster. Better quality foods will generally decrease the amount or severity of health problems down the road. Add to that, annual checkups and testing and diagnostics.
Oh, and if you’re able to, you should really be keeping a reasonable emergency fund set aside for your pet. Accidents happen, and you don’t want to be caught totally unprepared by them. Emergency vet bills add up fast! An injury incurred during everyday activities could easily include a vet exam fee; diagnostics like blood tests, urinalysis, fecal tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, etc.; IV treatments; medications; and even surgery. Sometimes all in a single visit! You could easily be footing a $1,000 vet bill with just a fraction of these things. Get an idea of what these types of procedures and services cost in your area and plan accordingly.
The good news is that if you have a steady income, you generally don’t have to allocate too huge a chunk of it (comparatively) to your animal—again, depending on what kind of pet your spring for. Use what you have available to get the best quality food you can, then save whatever you have left over for potential future medical bills. Usually, if you’re reasonably prepared for your new pet, you won’t have to worry about larger veterinary costs right away. Most shelters and rescues will take care of the initial shots, the spay/neuter, and a microchip, so hopefully you won’t have to invest too much there.
However, still have a decent lump sum ready to go. Sometimes you might find that your new pet has allergies, or some other thing that may have been overlooked until you got them home.
Species Specifics
Now, I’ll assume that you have at least narrowed down your myriad of animal options to the species level, so it’s time to refine your research parameters. There’s no way that I can adequately cover all aspects that need consideration for all species, so I’ll mainly focus on cats and dogs.
First, look into the different characteristics of all the different breeds—yes, even for the cats! Breed characteristics will get you a general idea of what to expect from your animal. For dogs, working breeds generally require a lot of exercise and enrichment, some breeds are believed to be prone to anxieties, some breeds are definitely more prone to certain medical issues than others, different types of coats require different maintenance regimes, etc. Know what types of things you can and cannot deal with and choose your pet accordingly!
One thing, regarding health considerations, is that dogs and cats with shorter snouts generally have a more difficult time breathing and may be more prone to respiratory issues. Keep this in mind as you’re searching. English Bulldogs and 10 mile hikes don’t often mix well!
If you’re considering a more exotic animal, seek out the experts and read a variety of sources! There’s almost always going to be fewer vets in your area that really know whatever exotic animal you’re considering, fewer sources for quality diet, less in-person consultation, etc., so study up and have a well-informed idea of what you’re getting yourself into.
Another very important thing to consider when adopting an animal are the laws and regulations where you reside. Certain animals are illegal to own in certain states, certain dog and cat breeds are illegal to own in certain areas, and landlords will often ban certain types of species and breeds from their residences. It’s sad to say, but living with a pit bull—or other similar breed—can sometimes bring extra scrutiny your way. Depending on what kind of animal you adopt, your options for mobility may be decreased, your travel plans may be hampered, and your homeowner’s insurance rates may even change. Be prepared to take these types of things on if necessary.
