Becoming a pet owner for the first time is a huge development in your life, and a very exciting day! It’s also a big responsibility: you’re taking on an animal that will rely on you for its health and happiness every day! Today we’re taking a look at some of the ways you can get ready to be a pet owner so you can meet those responsibilities and meet them with confidence.
Knowing Your Vet
It’s important to get your pet registered at a vet as soon as possible. This means you’ll know exactly where to go when problems come up, and also where to get advice for the questions that plague a first time pet owner. Many vets are practiced at handling the anxieties of inexperienced owners, and will be able to help you build your confidence and ensure you’re providing the best care for your new friend.
A simple search for “local vets near me” will provide a shortlist of options for you, and reviews and recommendations for other local pet owners can help you turn that into the vet that’ll care for your pet!
The Right Environment
Some pets have very exacting demands for their environment: fish need aquariums with still or moving water, either briny or fresh, at the right temperature, acidity level and with many other factors balanced for their health and happiness. Lizards might need heat lamps, bathing pools and live food. Compared to this a cat or dog’s list of demands might seem quite restrained, but it’s equally important to get it right and ensure your pet can be healthy, happy and safe in their new home.
Especially in the early days, it might be worth turning over a whole room to be your pet’s territory as they start to feel safe in your home. Research what your pet needs (and what they might want) and try to make sure you’re ready to provide the right environment when they arrive.
Common Health Issues
It’s natural to be anxious as a new pet owner. You don’t know what’s normal for your pet, what’s unusual and what’s downright worrying. One of the best ways you can prepare is to research some of the common health issues your pet (from the species right down to the breed and the age group of the animal you’re getting) might suffer from.
This doesn’t just help you identify warning signs early, it also helps you relax – when you’re able to accurately diagnose a less than serious upset stomach, or the early onset of dehydration and provide the help your pet needs without the fear and anxiety of a trip to the vet.