Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Pet

by | Sep 13, 2022 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

 

If you’re thinking about getting a pet, that’s great! Pets are great companions and can add so much to our lives. But before you head down to the animal shelter, there are several things you need to know about how to get your new friend settled into his or her new home. Here are some helpful tips on how to get started with your new pet.

 

Before you buy

Pet ownership is a lifelong commitment. Read up on the basics of pet care before you make your purchase. The time spent preparing for a new pet will be worth it once you have settled into your new routine. Research breeds and shelters in your area, ask family and friends if they know anyone who might want to give away their pet, and figure out what type of animal would best suit your lifestyle (active, large, small). Visit multiple shelters or rescues so that you can get an idea of how different places operate. If possible, visit any potential home sites in advance with your family members or pets so that everyone can agree on where they feel most comfortable.

 

Types of Pets

Most people think of cats and dogs when they hear the word pet, but there are many other types of pets you might want to consider. Some of these include fish, birds, small animals (hamsters, rabbits), lizards, snakes, and horses. 

If you’re looking for something more exotic, check out sites like Missing Link Pets or even Animal Ambassadors. If you need help deciding which type of pet would be best for your home and lifestyle we recommend visiting the Humane Society website and typing in the animal you want on their search bar at the top right hand corner of their homepage.

 

1) Dog Breeds

A big part of deciding on what type of pet you want is looking at the pros and cons of each type. If you live in an apartment or have allergies, for example, it might not be the best idea to get a cat. Dogs also come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some are suited more for running around outside while others need more space indoors. Knowing your lifestyle will help you decide which type of dog would be best for you.

Smaller dogs such as Chihuahuas are great if you’re living in an apartment or don’t have much outdoor space because they can adapt easily to both environments. They’re also good if you’re prone to allergies because they don’t shed as much fur and dander like larger breeds do. Medium-sized dogs such as Labradors make good companions who love spending time with their humans but still enjoy going out for walks or playing fetch every now and then.

Large breeds such as German Shepherds are perfect if you plan on having kids because they’ll grow up alongside them and play together nicely with supervision from adults. These dogs typically prefer being inside most of the time so make sure that’s something that appeals to you before getting one!

 

2) Cat Breeds

There are many different breeds of cats available. Some breeds, such as Persians, may cost $1500 or more to purchase as a kitten. In order to pay for their initial adoption fee, Persian breeders recommend that you take on an additional financial obligation when adopting the cat by signing up for automatic payments on their website. Other breeds, such as Bengals, may cost significantly less than the aforementioned Persian breeders because they are much more plentiful.

Finally, any regular old domestic shorthair might be all that you need if you don’t want an expensive investment with all kinds of fancy things like curly coats and long hair requiring daily maintenance. One way to find out which cat is right for you is to visit your local animal shelter or pet store and spend some time playing with all the kitties!

 

3) Fish Breeds

Different people have different motivations for getting fish. Some people want the more work, others want something easy. When considering which breed of fish would be best for you, it is important to consider what you’re looking for in your pet. Here are some of the most popular breeds of fish and their advantages and disadvantages:

– Tetras

Tetras are a schooling fish and require at least three or more other tanksmates (same species) in order to avoid aggressive behavior like bullying or fin nipping. They can also do well with live plants because they enjoy grazing on plant matter, but it’s important not to put them in an aquarium with strong filters that cause strong water currents.

-Guppies

Guppies are one of the easiest fish to care for and are great starter pets. 

– Angelfish

Angelfish make excellent beginner pets, but should only be kept by experienced aquarists as they need cleanliness that cannot always be maintained by beginners. 

– Goldfish

One of the easiest breeds to keep, goldfish prefer colder temperatures so these make great pets if you’re looking for something inexpensive and low maintenance. 

– Betta

Betta fish need specialized equipment because males will fight aggressively against each other. Females should never be housed together either due to aggression issues between females too.

 

4) Rabbit Breeds

Rabbits are intelligent, social animals who love to explore. Below you’ll find a list of breeds of rabbits that may be good for your home. 

– Flemish Giant

One of the largest rabbit breeds, this one is gentle and sweet. 

– Dwarf Hotot

The smallest breed on this list, the Dwarf Hotot is playful and bold. 

– Havana Lop

These rabbits are calm and even tempered with soft fur in colors from browns to grays. 

– Dutch

Calmer than most other breeds, Dutch are known for their brown markings and red eyes. They’re generally considered to be quieter, and make an excellent pet for children. 

– Holland Lop

Originally bred in Holland as meat-producing rabbits, they are now sought after as pets because they produce less hair than other breeds. 

– Rex Rabbit

With short fur that doesn’t require much maintenance and two color varieties (Black or white), Rex Rabbits make good pets when handled early on.

 

5) Hamster Breeds

The Syrian Hamster is the type of hamster that most people are familiar with because they’re one of the most common types. They’re around 6-8 inches long, including their tail, and they come in many different colors such as white, gray, brown and black. The Dwarf Hamster is also another type of hamster that you might have seen.

They are around 4-6 inches long including their tail, but the body can be twice as large as a Syrian Hamster’s.  Another variation of hamsters includes the Roborovskii or Robo Dwarf hamsters which have been made popular by animal pet expert David Alderton. They can have a life span between 2-3 years which makes them relatively short lived compared to other breeds on this list!

 

6) Snakes and Lizards

It’s important to note that snakes and lizards can be difficult pets to keep and require large living spaces. One drawback of snake ownership is their lack of fur. Their scales are not as soft or as warm as the fur of mammals and they do not provide the same feelings of comfort you get when touching them.

There are also many dangers associated with owning these types of animals, including getting bitten by your own pet. The responsibility should not be taken lightly before deciding if it is right for you! When choosing between a lizard or snake, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Lizards can live in a much smaller space than a snake but need more water.

Lizards cannot carry disease like snakes can but have some habits that may bother those who are sensitive around bugs such as crawling into tight places and hiding food in dark corners where people may accidentally step on them without realizing what they’re doing.

Another important thing to consider is what kind of pet best fits with your personality. Some owners just don’t have time for snakes or lizards because of their frequent demands on attention, such as needing a special diet and shedding regularly! Before going out and getting one of these pets, first decide if you really want a snake or lizard as a friend!

 

Conclusion

There is a lot to consider when you’re getting a pet. The most important thing to know before you bring a new animal into your life is what type of pet will best suit your needs and lifestyle. For example, if you live in an apartment with no yard, getting a smaller breed might be more appropriate for you than a larger one.

Your pet’s wellbeing is in your hands. Make sure to research all of the aspects of keeping that specific type of animal, and make sure to take care of it before making a decision!

 

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