Bringing a new pet home is super exciting and life-changing but without the proper preparation, failure is likely. Animals are sentient beings. They feel pain, sadness, happiness, and joy. Adopting animals affects their physical, emotional, and mental well-being and as an animal lover, you understand that this is not to be taken lightly. Returning adopted pets to a shelter after a few years is not always possible and having to rehome them is a stressful experience for everyone involved, especially the pet.
Dogs and cats can live up to 15 years, sometimes even more.
This is a very long-term commitment which makes thinking ahead very important.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your perfect match to come home:
Property
If you rent the property that you live in, you must make sure that you have your landlord’s approval. You must also make sure that should you need to move home your next rental is also pet-friendly. Some landlords will request pet deposits, and some will outright not allow pets on their property.
Nationality
If you are in the country temporarily you must make sure that you are ready to take your adopted pet with you when you move. If you’re not sure what your next step after Malta is going to be, do not commit to adopting a pet as this will likely end up in a failed adoption and a very unhappy dog or cat.
Time
Do you have enough time for the kind of pet that you want to adopt? Although all animals require some dedication and time, it is common knowledge that dogs require more time than cats. Do you have time to walk your dog, to house train your dog and to entertain them? An hour a day is the absolute minimum required by any adult dog. Puppies require more time.
Other family members
Do any of your family members who live in your household suffer from allergies, fear or discomfort associated with animals? If so, you should not adopt. Some parents think that by forcing their child to share its space with a pet, the fear and discomfort will go away. This is not the case, and it’s not even fair to try.
Succession plan
Dogs and cats can live up to 15 years or more. If you’re not around for the whole of their life, do you have a succession plan? Who will be responsible for your pets if you’re not around?
Other pets
It is always recommended to introduce new pets to existing pets slowly and calmly. Not all pets become instant best friends and co-living might require some intermittent separation. In some cases, this takes a couple of weeks but in some other cases, it could take longer. Most sanctuaries will know which dogs or cats are more likely to get along with other animals.
Energy Level
How energetic are you? Do you lead a fast-paced lifestyle? Do you like the outdoors? The answers to these questions will help you find your match. Puppies and kittens are by far more energetic than adult animals. They require more time, and their playfulness can last up to two or three years. If you’re looking for a quieter, calmer companion, it’s best to consider an older pet. When it comes to dogs, some breeds are more energetic than others. So make sure to be clear about your lifestyle to stand the best chance of being matched with your furrever friend.
Costs
Costs associated with pet ownership are always on the rise. In addition to basic food and shelter, you would need to budget for your pet’s medical needs which include yearly check-ups and vaccinations. Some pets will require regular grooming, specialised food, and ongoing treatment. You must also cater for emergencies such as accidents, illnesses or having to pay for boarding facilities.
