A NEW FURRY FAMILY MEMBER
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So you’re on the verge of welcoming a new furry family member, it’s an exciting time! To help you and your new best friend adjust to life together, preparation is key.
There’s a lot to do when getting a new cat or dog. Here’s our checklist to prep for your new arrival and to ease your new pet’s transition to a new home.
It’s worth giving rehoming groups and animal shelters a go, as there are several benefits to rescue pets! You’ll not only provide a loving home for an abandoned animal, you’ll be saving another life by freeing up the shelter’s resources to help others. Adoption is also cheaper than breeders and pet shops, and they often get a start on vaccinations and de-sexing for you. On top of this, you reduce the demand for commercially bred animals, helping to reduce animal cruelty and abandonment. You can even adopt an older animal who might be more suited to your lifestyle, as you can skip the demanding adolescent years, which require a lot of time and patience.
Next, it’s time to figure out the right match! Different breeds have different needs, and individual animals can have very distinctive personalities. Consider the needs of your pet and how they fit into your lifestyle, both now and into the future.
Things to consider:
- Your available space inside and out.
- Your time for training, attention, and exercise.
- Costs of healthcare and daily supplies.
- Your current household, including any existing pets you may have.
- Your work routine, travel plans and general lifestyle.
- Your chosen pet’s needs and temperament.
Sharing your home with a four-legged friend is a hugely rewarding experience. With the right preparation and a bit of research, you’ll soon be on your way to sharing the love with your furry family member!
