Advice to Consider Before You Bring Home Your First Pet

Are you welcoming a pet into your home for the first time? Taking care of another life is a big responsibility, but it’s also extremely rewarding! However, do your research and get prepared in advance. This will make your transition to pet guardianship as smooth as possible.

Finding the Perfect Pet for Your Life

Without question, dogs and cats are the most popular types of pets to own. Fish, birds, and small animals are also found in plenty of households and make great pets for smaller areas. You’ll have to consider a number of things before deciding which animal is right for you. For example, think about whether you can afford the pet’s expenses, provide their space needs, and meet their time demands.

If you don’t know where to start, check out this article by BestFriends that describes the requirements of each pet type. For example, some dog breeds are fit for apartment living, while others may need a large yard space. Cats are lower maintenance and can handle more time away from their guardians. On the other hand, birds require a lot of attention and care. It’s also important to consider your allergies.

Preparing Your Home for Your New Pet

Getting your home ready for a new pet involves plenty of planning. The Humane Society of the United States recommends setting family rules about where the pet is allowed in the home and who in the household will be in charge of feeding, taking it outside, and keeping track of veterinary appointments. Get all the supplies that you’ll need before you pick up your pet. For a puppy, you’ll need house training supplies and the proper dog food for their size and breed. Small animals and birds need proper cages, while cats will need scratch posts and litter boxes.

Helping Your Pet Feel Comfortable in Their New Home

Plan to spend a few days at home with your new pet when they first arrive. This is especially important with rescue dogs. Rescue dogs can be nervous or fearful around you in the beginning because they may have been abandoned or abused in the past. When you first get your rescue pet home, take them on a walk through your house. Give your pet some space and don’t push them too hard to play or be close to you. Acclimating a new pet to your home will go more smoothly if you stick to a routine, especially when it comes to house training and setting boundaries.

Bonding with Your New Pet

Most people know that you can form bonds with dogs and cats. However, bonding with birds and small mammals can occur in a similar way. Spending time with your pet and participating in activities together is a great way to establish and strengthen any bond. Play with your pet and have fun with them whenever you can. You can also talk your pet and work on training them on a regular basis to help with bonding.

How Recovering Addicts Benefit from Being Pet Owners

Owning a pet comes with many benefits such as reduced stress and elevated moods. This is why companion animals can be helpful for people in addiction recovery. Research has found that being around pets activates the pleasure centers in our brains. Pets also stave off feelings of loneliness and isolation. They further help people coping with the stress of recovery because they have the ability to lower blood pressure in humans. Plus, pets teach us how to be accountable and responsible, key skills to develop in addiction recovery.