Getting a new pet is a huge responsibility, and there are certain things that you need to think about before, during and forever onwards from then. When you see puppies, kittens and other cute furries it's easy to get swept up in a flurry of excitement, but before taking the plunge you really need to think it through. Many animals can live for way over a decade, you need to know you're prepared to commit to them throughout their lives once you bring them home. If you're new to pet ownership, here are a few things to consider.

How Much Time Does A Pet Take Up?

It all depends on what type of pet you get. Dogs for instance need more time spent with them than cats. Rabbits and guinea pigs do need regular handling, but generally don’t require much fussing and are fairly low maintenance. In fact, too much handling can actually stress a guinea pig out and make them poorly. You need to see what pet can factor into your lifestyle, or make changes to be able to accommodate them. If you know that you don’t have the time to give to them, don’t even consider wasting your money - and their lives - by buying a pet. 

How Much Money Will I Spend?

Obviously there is the initial outlay of actually buying a pet. Again, this can vary greatly depending on the animal, but also the breed of the animal can make a big difference, as can where you are buying it from. Make sure that you are purchasing from a reputable breeder who can give you a lot of background on not just the type of animal that you are buying, but the specific buddy that you’re bringing home; if they don’t have much to tell you in terms of temperament or their behaviour, walk away. This is especially important when buying dogs. The spending doesn’t just stop at buying the pet - you’ll need to register them with a vet, such as Easipetcare, and get them checked over when you bring them home just in case there are any underlying health issues. If it’s a small pet, such as a goldfish or a hamster, you needn’t register with a vet straight away, although it’s a good suggestion to take on board. 

Anything Else To Take Into Consideration?

There is so much more to add, but every animal is different. Before purchasing any pet, the best thing that you can do is do your research thoroughly and make sure that they are the exact thing that you need in your life right now. Note that there are different routes into acquiring a new friend, and this can be done by rehoming from a rescue/shelter as well as buying from a store/private seller. There are so many animals currently in need of a forever home that rehoming should really be at the forefront of your mind for any pet that you are considering. It will help change both of your lives, and you’ll be helping to put an end to unnecessary breeding.