Is it a Good Idea to Get a Pet? 10 Things to Consider Before You Get a Pet.

 Is it a Good Idea to Get a Pet? 10 Things to Consider Before You Get a Pet.

This post is going to highlight some of the not so glamorous parts about having pets. Please, don't come at me! The truth is if done right, owning pets can be costly among other challenges. 

At the time this post is being published, there is an epidemic of "Covid pets" - animals that were adopted while people were spending more time at home during the pandemic that are now being surrendered to shelters. 

If you take on a pet without truly knowing what you're getting into or being in it for the long haul, then that's not fair to the animal either. Don't mistake me for a pet hater. I have two cats, and there was always at least one pet in my childhood home. I'm not denying the benefits of having pets, and realize that they can be beloved family members. 

But let's explore some of the things pet owners might not realize they're signing up for when they get a pet. Is it a Good Idea to Get a Pet? Here are 10 things to consider before you get a pet.

1. Another Mouth to Feed  

Pets need to eat along with other day-to-day requirements. The initial investment may include an adoption/purchase/rehoming fee. You will have to invest in such items as a pet carrier or cage, leash, harness, litter box and scoop, litter, absorbent pads, food and water bowls, scratching post, chew toys, bones, beds, and the list goes on... (commissions earned). 

Don't forget that your pet will need a veterinary exam, spay/neuter, Seresto flea and tick collar or Frontline Plus medication and vaccinations (commissions earned). 

Indeed, the up front costs of caring for your pet can be so costly that health insurance policies exist for pets. Dogs may need to be licensed or registered annually in your state (more fees, yay!). 

2. Education and Grooming

You may need to have your pet trained or sent to obedience school. I've only owned cats, but learned from my dog loving friends that training/obedience school isn't necessarily a one and done deal. Your pet may also require ongoing fur and nail trimming as well as dental care.

3. Potential Health Concerns

You or your family members could be allergic to pet dander. If that's the case, there could be increased cleaning duties and investments in home modifications to reduce allergy symptoms or the need to medically treat allergy symptoms. I

 suffered from allergy symptoms most of my life, but it seems that with the addition of each pet (particularly long-haired ones) that I've had to add to my allergy medication regimen to make symptoms manageable. 

Pregnant women and the unborn are also at risk of toxoplasmosis from contact with cat feces (CDC). Other possibilities are cat scratch disease (healthychildren.org); infection, deformity and/or trauma from animal bites (healthychildren.org).

4. Increased Cleaning

Again, this could be due to allergies or aesthetic. Most pets shed and have an odor. Just like their humans, animals can get sick and vomit or have an accident and not make it to the area where they relieve themselves. 

I have to keep my long hair cat brushed and trimmed; otherwise, the poor thing is hacking up fur balls on a near daily basis! Then no one is happy.

5. Schedule demands

It seems most pet owners have disrupted sleep - whether from bed sharing with their pets or being awakened early to feed or let outside. Some dog breeds require a lot of exercise (can be great accountability partners if your energy matches)!

6. Damaged goods

Speaking of exercise, some pets can act out if their physical needs aren't being met (they're just like us)! I'll never forget the shenanigans of a classmate's German Shepherd while in Physician Assistant school. 

Due to our packed schedule of classes and sometimes long days without enough time to go home in between, it was not uncommon for her dog to chew through furniture. Cats can also chew and scratch things. 

7. Medical needs

Pets can have special medical needs. Do your research as certain breeds are prone to certain ailments. A pet with a medical condition can require special often more costly food. Visits to the veterinarian, emergency room (ER) and intensive care unit (ICU) are also costly. 

Our "orange cat" that's pictured has urinary tract issues that require a special diet nearly twice the cost of  Friskies dry cat food (commissions earned). We learned this the hard way after two emergency room (ER) visits and an intensive care unit (ICU) stay that cost around $2,000 total. 

Poor Leo was in renal failure from urinary retention. We took him to the ER when we noticed he was lethargic and urinating blood. Thankfully, he survived and is thriving on his special diet of Purina One Urinary Tract Health Formula Dry Food (commissions earned). This was several years ago, and there has not been a serious health issue since (knock on wood).

8. Potential liability

Pets are still animals, and they act like animals at times. Animals can attack other animals, their owners or passersby. Pets can scratch, bite, maul and kill. As the owner, you could be liable if your pet harms someone. Your pet could be euthanized. 

To look at liability from a different perspective, some "designer dogs" such as French Bulldogs are highly sought after and can lead to attempted kidnappings - a risk to the dog and its caretakers. 

9. Respite care

On a daily basis, are you away from home for prolonged periods? What will become of your pet while you're away from home? I've only had cats and am not sure how I feel about animals that are kept in crates all day. 

Will you need to hire help to let the dogs out or walk the dogs? Will your dog need to go to daycare? 

What about going out of town or on vacation? Who will feed and care for your pet, let them out and walk them? Will you travel with your pet or take it to a kennel? There are often fees to bring pets to hotels.

10. Increased burden on renters

The cost of caring for a pet is even greater for renters. Typically, there will be an upfront cost as well as an additional fee per pet per month. You may also have to pay an annual fee to use a service to keep your pets' information such as shot records up-to-date electronically. 

Animals can be destructive; hence, the fees. Your security deposit is also at risk upon moving out. Speaking of moving, having pets can limit your options if you continue to rent as some residences don't allow pets. 

Homeowners aren't off the hook. According to this Clovered article, pets are one of twelve factors affecting homeowner's insurance premiums. Depending on the breed, you may be refused coverage or subjected to increased premiums. 

The article states that insurance companies paid out nearly 700 million dollars in dog bite claims in 2017. Yikes! Once again, do your research on what breeds are considered most dangerous - for your safety and for reduced liability. 

Summary

There are benefits to pet ownership; in fact, most pets aren't viewed as belongings, but important family members. If a pet is truly to be an esteemed family member, then the true cost should be considered before you get a pet. 

Consider the day-to-day costs including the potential for special requirements based on medical needs. Think of up front and ongoing costs, what a typical day will look like and when you'll be away from home. 

Consider risks such as health concerns, liability and the potential effect on your future as a renter or your homeowner's insurance premium. 

Do your due diligence before you get a pet - because once they're part of the family, they deserve to be loved for life - not just while it's convenient.

Do you have any pets? How about any pet regrets (this is a safe space!) or things you didn't realize you were signing up for when you became a pet owner? 

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