Note: This article contains affiliate links (hyperlinks, widgets, or through images), which means I receive compensation if you purchase a product through them. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and/or believe will add value to my readers. Visit my disclosure page for more information.
If you’ve ever considered getting a pet, especially as a parent when your kids start pressuring you, it is important to research it thoroughly before making your decision. There is a lot of responsibility attached to owning a pet, so make sure you are really prepared. No one enjoys the guilt they have to endure when they have to give a beloved pet away. This is something you most definitely don’t want to happen. A pet should be for life, not just on a whim.
Committing to a pet can and will be hard work, but it is very rewarding in the long run. A pet will always be there for you and will love you unconditionally. If you can’t do the same for them don’t get one.
Thinking about getting a pet for your family? Remember to consider all the pros and cons of getting a pet before jumping in.
Responsibilities
When you have a pet, you are solely responsible for their welfare. With larger animals, this requires regular exercise whether you’re in the mood or not.
You have to consider them if you ever want to travel. Where will be a safe place for them stay and will this affect them negatively? They can’t be left alone for long which ties you down. You have to make sure they have plenty to eat and drink and a comfortable environment to live in.
You also need to make sure they are mentally stimulated so that they are happy.
The expense of keeping a pet isn’t cheap. You must pay for bedding, toys, grooming, specific foods, water containers, and the list goes on! Not to mention vets bills which can be very pricey. If you’re struggling to make ends meet after an unexpected expense, there are loan companies everywhere like who could help you out.
Health Benefits
We’ve mentioned some of the more challenging aspects of having a pet, but there are so many benefits too. Depending on the kind of pet you have, they can have a huge positive impact on your mental health.
Certain animals have been linked to certain psychological disorders for example, pigs are supposed to really help those who suffer from anxiety. Having a pet forces you to take care of something other than yourself and to take part in regular exercise.
They are also great companions particularly if you live alone. If you have children, pets can also keep them entertained and happy for hours.
Safety
Pets, especially dogs, can be a source of security. They have natural instincts to protect their territory and their owners with whom they have formed a bond with.
They can also scare off intruders and protect you if you’re approached while you’re out and about. Their presence alone can be enough of a deterrent.
Some animals can even be trained to handle emergency situations like search and rescue dogs.
Pets require a lot of care and attention and will become a huge part of your life, and this comes with many positive aspects. They can be a great source of entertainment, comfort, and companionship as well as contributing to your safety.
It can be expensive to own a pet and they do tie you down due to their need for company, exercise, food, water, and stimulation but they contribute far more.
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
How to Organize a Business Trip
“Every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier, and to be the best version of you.”
Pets are a lot of responsibility. I have two cats and a chinchilla so that is enough for me!
Do chinchillas make good pets? Is it like having a rabbit (we had one in the past along with ferrets)? I’ve never had one but we have dogs, cats, hamsters, fish, and the kids want a guinea pig lol.
Yeah they are good but a little messy like guinea pigs ect. Ours likes to sit like a parrot on my fiance’s shoulder. I have no way to show you photos but they are cool.. and super soft.
That sounds super cute!!
Great information. I wish people would read this before getting a pet. A friend’s daughter was wanting a dog and her she told her they would go and look at them. She was asking me some important things she needed to get and do. She was afraid her daughter wouldn’t take care of the dog. I told her to tell her daughter when it’s raining outside and the dog needs to go out you have to do it. It’s like having a baby until the dog gets adjusted. They need love and attention all the time. I hope it works out for her, I think having a pet is the best thing a family can have. All that love brings the family closer and they can enjoy their new family member. I’m sharing your information. Others would benefit from this information.
How old is your friend’s daughter? Having a dog is a lot more time consuming than having a cat. Dogs are super needy and often compared to children for good reason.
This is the type of post that people need to read before getting a pet. It’s of course definitely worth the love and companionship, but they can be expensive and lots of responsibility. I love my senior dog so much and I’ve spent quite a lot on his care the last couple of years.
Awe, I know what you mean. My grandmother spent so much money on her dog. Sadly, he passed away yesterday at almost 9 🙁
Some great questions! It isn’t enough that the pet is cute. It’s a lot of work, and yes, tons of enjoyment. But getting a pet is a big responsibility.
Yes, getting a pet is a huge responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Good to put it in a pet owners perspective. I think that there’s a lot of work that goes into taking care of a pet. It’s just being consistent and lots of small stuff here and there that adds up. Of course it’s what you make of it. I think it’s worth it!
Yes, it’s def a lot of small stuff that adds up. We probably have too many pets for most people’s liking lol!