All set to become a pet parent? Wait! Are you fretting about adding a new member to your family? Anxiety and emotional turmoil to manage the regular lifestyle while accommodating your beloved pet can be tiring. However, considering the critical factors, the correct choice of pets can help you scale your decision!
With a vast pool of available pet parenting options, it is no longer a task to shelter your favourite species. If you have never had a pet before, remember a few crucial things before making any decision.
Pet ownership is not just about giving them food, shelter and basic hygiene at your place. It involves a lot of responsibility, care and commitment to hold them around for the rest of their lives. Finding a pet that suits your lifestyle helps them lead a better life and incubates a deeper bond between the two.
Are you excited to own a little pet? Manage the thrill by keeping a count of the aspects listed below.
Top 7 Factors to Choose a Perfect Pet as per Your Lifestyle!
Keeping track of these aspects can ease your journey to own a pet. Let’s take a glance at these factors below.
- Size Matters
The size of your pet is a crucial factor to consider for the pet selection. Analyze the size of your apartment or living space, as that’s where your pet will spend most of their hours. People staying in compact houses should prefer small size pets like petite dog breeds, kittens or even guinea pigs.
Owners with spacious living places can explore more giant species like Labrador retrievers or playful pets like border collies. Opting for pets like horses or goats is also good if you have abundant open yards or backspaces. They can dwell here easily while having enough room to roam, graze, and explore.
- Activity Levels
Choosing your pet type also highly depends on activity levels. Different pets cater to varying activity levels; some are hyperactive, while others prefer lazing around. People who like to be on their toes and have high activity levels can enjoy more with energetic pet species. Opting for Siberian Huskies, Dalmatians or Border Collies species can impart mental stimulation and plenty of exercise. It is great to bask on weekends with such pets or plan an outdoor adventure.
Pet owners with moderately active lifestyles can prefer popular dog breeds like Beagles or Golden Retrievers. They can also go for various cat breeds as they enjoy a walk and are happy enough if you take a day off to rest.
People with busy work schedules might be able to spare a small amount of time for their pets. Thus, pets that require minimal exercise, like small dog breeds, cats, or even reptiles, can be a good choice. They won’t get restless even with minimum physical activity for days.
- Temperament
An essential part of pet selection that can accommodate with your family and lifestyle is their temperament. It is vital to ensure that they adjust to your household. Understanding your pet’s emotional traits can benefit you in decision-making and setting your preferences.
Few cats and dogs are socially active and like to indulge in human interaction. They can also be great buddies to your kids. However, some other cats or reptiles are content in themselves and prefer spending time alone. If you stay secluded or in a nuclear set-up, such breeds might match your lifestyle.
The family-friendly set of pets is also compatible with older people and kids at home. Such pets are tolerant and patient and inherit good behaviour, like Labradors or golden retrievers. Owners who prefer chirps around can go for parrots as they are vocal enough. Quieter pet species include small mammals, fish, and other pets who like to stay calm. Noise tolerance is essential for pet selection.
- Allergies
It is the most important factor people tend to ignore while selecting a pet. When you or any other member in your house are prone to pet allergies, a cautious choice is wise. If you or any of your family members have pet allergies, opt for hypoallergenic pet breeds, such as typical cat breeds or poodles, which have fewer allergenic proteins.
- Lifespan and Commitment
Pet ownership is a commitment, and you must be vigilant about your choices as it’s an important responsibility you hold. Considering important points can enable you to make the right decision. Pets like hamsters or rodents live for just 2-3 years, while dogs have an average lifespan of around 10-15 years. It is ideal to choose a pet, considering its lifespan and for how long you are ready to make a commitment.
Some pets demand daily care like exercise, grooming and feeding like dogs, and you must be able to dedicate them the required time. Other pets like reptiles or fish need low maintenance and can be a good choice for you. All these pets require minimal veterinary care, and considering the cost of veterinary services is also an important criterion.
- Budget
Like any other family member, a pet also has certain financial responsibilities. You must have an allocated budget for their food, hygiene, care, grooming, veterinary care and other relevant expenses. Evaluate the cost of petting desirable pet breeds and make a selection that perfectly fits your choices.
The cost of owning a pet might also differ variably. Adopting them from a shelter or organization can be more affordable than buying from a breeder. There are several other miscellaneous expenses related to the pets, like their food, toys, boxes and cages, to consider before a pet purchase. Pets also come with relevant maintenance costs, and analyzing these long-term expenses can help you make decisions.
- Time and Lifestyle Management
The choice of pets is highly dependent on your plans, family management, and future goals. Those considering relocating or working flexible hours must think twice before choosing their pet. Their separation anxiety, fears and adaptation to new changes are complex. It would help if you nurtured them following your lifestyle to keep the bond intact.
Consider your family expansion goals and pick a pet who holds a child-friendly temperament. Creating harmony between the pet and your family members is highly important. Giving them a good time and managing their requirements are crucial for seeking the desired lifestyle.
After thoroughly considering all the above aspects, take a call to bring home the new furry member and enjoy their company to the fullest.
Common Lifestyle Thoughts to Consider Before Being a Pet Parent
When deciding to own a pet, starting with lifestyle compatibility can be a great idea. Cats and dogs are the most common pet companions as they are most adaptable to human routines. However, it is better to select breeds or types based on your regular schedule and sequence of activities for the right decision.
- Running in Marathons
Keep an Australian or German shepherd alongside you and enjoy running miles daily for the marathon preparation. It is a fantastic way of gearing up for your favourite sport while not missing time with them. Playing with them in the backyard can also keep these energetic dogs happy and healthier.
- Enjoy Daily Walks
Dogs are the perfect companion if you are fond of morning and night walks. Opt for corgis, bulldogs, or pugs and accompany them for miles of walking. They have smaller legs and tend not to get tired quickly. Such pets can create a comfort zone for a moderately active owner and adapt adequately.
- Music Lover
Do you have an appetite for musical strings? It would be incredible to hold a music lover pet in that care. Studies suggest that birds, too, enjoy music like a human brain does. They move their heads to beats and get extremely happy with sounds around. You can also keep them in a cage and go out to your favourite concert easily. Most pet birds have an average life span of 10-20 years.
- Workaholic’s Pick
If you desire a pet but are too busy to feed them or step out for daily walks, a fish aquarium can be a good choice for you. Though it needs good preparation and space, this is the most hassle-free pet ownership you would ever experience.
The automated feeding system and water-circulating pumps in beautiful tanks are all you need to restore your favourite fish set. Ensure enough space in the tank for your fish to roam around and twirl with their companions.
- Family Person
Pets like cats and dogs are highly affectionate and loving when it comes to family accommodation. They are playful with children and bestow affection to older adults at home when you are not around. Kittens can also stay alone at the house for a few hours when you plan an outing with your family on weekends.
- Travel Lover
If you are wanderlust but want movement in your home, a better fish can be a great choice. They are aggressively territorial, so they dislike sharing the tank with other species. Let them swim in the aquatic tank full of hammocks and plants while you are on the new expedition.
Winding Up
Bringing home a new pet and being a parent to them is an incredible journey! Making the most of it is possible when you decide after carefully evaluating all the points for a healthy and happy life. Planning your pet adoption after evaluating all the above aspects can be the right thing.
While dogs and cats are undisputed winners to adapt to any lifestyle, other off-beat petting choices are subject to your preferences, liking, timing and lifestyle. Keeping the above information handy can allow you to make the right pet choices!
