Things to consider before you get a pet

Getting new pet or adding another one is not for everyone.

As I stand for pets' welfare I want you to think hard before you adopt or buy a pet.

Let's first concentrate on people who buy or adopt their very first animal.

Are they familiar with responsibility, work, sacrifice and cost of practically new family member?

As studies show and millions of unwanted pets every year most of them are clueless.

This article is for them.

Having pet is expensive , specially in today's economy.

You will have to consider food expense (some pets are finicky and refuse to eat what you buy or prepare, so some money will be wasted).

Feeding pets with leftovers is dangerous to their health and doesn't give them proper nutrition.

You will need veterinarian , who will make regular check ups, proper vaccinations, spay/neuter , dental cleanings.

And in case of an emergency you must know simple X-ray or sonogram starts at $200.

You must pet proof your home.  Similarly to a child proofing it takes convenience out of your life.

You will have to hide wires, get rid of small items easy to swallow or choke on, store away plastic bags (animals like to chew on them), fence your yard or put pet resistant windows'  screens, get rid of easy to fell sculptures, decorations, poisonous plants etc.

You will need to provide leisure time and entertain your pet. They don't take care of themselves as it is believed.

It could cost you a pretty penny to pay for toys, training, houses, kennels, accessories, grooming,  pet trees and gyms.

And yes, you need pet sitter in case you travel away.

Pets can unintentionally (driven by nature) make damages to your possessions. Usually they have a good taste and destroy something that has value to you (chew on your stilettos, pee on antic carpet, scratch leather couch).

You will invest in new vacuums, cleaners safe for pets, deterrents, pet carriers, bowls, towels, shampoos, vitamin supplements to name few.

If you are pet owner already and want to add another one, you will have to consider their characters, compatibility, and additional cost and time you will spend to help them readjust to the situation and than to care for them.

If they aren't cut out to share home together it may have tragic results (sleepless nights, injuries, aggressive or destructive behavior).

And let's don't forget to think about family members (children included) and their suitableness  to relationship with new pet.

And please make sure law in your home area doesn't prohibit to own the pet or certain breed.

I love all pets so I want them to have responsible, ready for challenge, capable guardians. It's easier to find first home for any pet, but after they are "pre-owned"  they become less desirable by potential caretakers. Often they turn into abused and even killed silent victims of unprepared owners. Many times they die on the streets or shelters or worse, secretly tortured at their homes.

People who are unaware of challenges of having pets most likely will cause unplanned pet pregnancies, damages to their health or fatal accidents. They won't be able to keep them safe and happy. Their ignorance could even cost pet's life.

I strongly believe not every human is good enough to be a pet owner. There are people who shouldn't add animals to their family. It takes special kind of person who will put pet's needs as a priority and would be able to give them love and proper care. And who will commit to keep pet regardless of challenges.

Humans destroyed natural habitat of animal kingdom (feral cats and dogs included), so the least they should do is give animals opportunity to live life in dignity, safety, peace and love.

As every pet owner knows it's a privilege to be one.

Pets give us something money, power, possessions, words can't: unconditional pet love.

And that feeling gives new dimension to our life, one which you can't reach, unless you have a pet.