For the Love of Pets: What to Consider Before Adopting a Pet 

Pets, especially cats and dogs, have become an integral part of family life. So, after much deliberation and a careful look at your life, it might be no surprise that you have decided to adopt a new pet into your family. If you have other pets, you already know about the happiness they bring to a person while offering constant companionship — and the patience they can teach us! Whether your new family addition will have fur, feathers, scales, or hooves, there are a few essential things that you need to know before adopting any new pet.

1. Are you financially ready to care for a pet? If you choose to adopt, you will need to be aware that your financial responsibility will include food, toys, grooming, veterinarian visits, and more, which can amount to a few extra hundred dollars per month. 
2. If you travel a lot for work or are gone most of the day, is there someone who can care for your pet? It may be convenient to have nearby family willing to take on the task, but if you do not, you will need to consider the type of pet you want who can entertain themselves safely while you are out.
3. Is anyone in your household allergic to any animals? A family member might not know they have an allergy, so everyone must meet your new house member before adoption to determine if an allergic reaction will occur.
4. 4. Do you have the patience and time to train? Even older animals have potty and chewing issues that you may have to address. You will need to do your research ahead of time and know that returning an animal to the shelter is not the answer to training problems. Be committed or do not adopt.
5. Will your new pet get along with your other pets? There is a genuine possibility that they might not work well together at all. Thankfully, most shelters will allow you to bring additional pets in to meet each other before you officially adopt. A potential pet might not be a good fit with your current pets, which means you need to be prepared not to take that new pet home. 

Are you ready to welcome a new pet? In our next issue, we will take a look at how pet adoptions work in Barbados. 

Sponsored by Massy Farm & Garden