Allergies
People usually find out pretty early on if they are allergic to any animals, especially cats and dogs. If you don’t know, it’s best for you and the other members of your household to get an allergy test, just to be on the safe side. If you have asthma, this will also reduce the pet options for you. Allergy-safe pets include reptiles, fish, some rodents, and birds.
If you want to get a cat or dog, then there are breeds of each that are safer. You can also manage your allergy with medication, but be sure that you’re prepared to do that continuously.
Lifestyle
If you’re a social butterfly and hard worker who barely spends time at home, a cat or dog likely isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you’re a homebody and/or work remotely, a fish or caged bird might not be stimulating enough. Assess your lifestyle and figure out how much time you realistically spend at home, and how much of that time can be dedicated to a pet.
Some animals are very low maintenance, whereas some are stage-5 clingers. They all need an owner who can give them what they need, and you don’t want to overextend yourself by biting off more than you can chew.
Age and Lifespan
Adopting a kitten or puppy is adorable, but boy are they a lot of work. They also have impressive lifespans, both easily over a decade. Pet fish, on average, live around three to five years, while birds can actually live decades. If you’re interested in reptiles, chameleons have the shortest life expectancy, with up to eight years. Snakes and tortoises, on the other hand, can live for years on end in captivity. Some of these are great for families with young kids who want their children to grow up with lifelong pals, while others are better suited to senior citizens who are looking for some company, but can’t take on so much work.
Finances
Pets can be deceptively expensive. First, there are adoption fees, and if you’re looking for something purebred, that’s going to burn a hole in your pocket. Then there’s the upkeep. We’re talking years, maybe even decades, of food and vet bills.
When pets get sick and need medication and treatment, it’s no walk in the park financially. Naturally, some are far less work than others, and some have a short enough lifespan that you won’t mind shelling out some more cash if you know the journey won’t last so long.
Creating a Happy Home
Pets can complete a home, and the majority of pet owners won’t even remember life before their furry/feathery/scaly friends. There’s a pet out there for everyone, and with the proper research, you’ll also find your perfect companion.