Thinking about getting a new dog or cat? Both of my kids did just that in the last year! They had a lot to wrestle with—do they have the time…the money…should they wait…do they have the proper things needed to raise a pet…

For my daughter, it was pretty much love at first sight. It all started when I did a photoshoot with 7 puppies. She had been thinking about getting a puppy for some time, but at that moment, it just clicked. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know this pooch is named Charlie (a girl named Charlie).

But before you rush to get your next pet, it’s important to take a second, slow down and really assess if this is the best time for you and your family. Pets are a lifetime commitment and, even though you can’t predict the future, it’s important that you make sure you can always care for them well.

What You Need to Take Into Account Before Getting a New Pet

Time

Pets take up a lot of time. Charlie has mastered a few commands but still continues to say hello by jumping on people. Frustrating. My daughter is trying different training techniques and things are starting to click. I’m working on training Charlie to get up on a log (yep, for future photos!).

And that’s not considering the amount of time it will take to get your new pet acclimated to your home!

• A new pet will need time to learn the new environment—Charlie was a rescue from the Amish. So, she was used to living in a barn with many animals. Being inside was quite different. (Don’t worry, she’s used to it now and now instead of the barn floor, she takes her naps on the couch!)
• A new pet will need time to adjust to a routine—Charlie has a definite routine with eating and potty breaks.
• A new pet will need time to get to know each family member and become comfortable with other pets or children—for us, it was introducing Charlie to our cats, Donnie and Isla. For the recored, they are still adjusting! Charlie wants to play and the cats…well, you can imagine.
• You’ll need the time you need to grieve the loss of a pet before getting a new one—Our family dog, Sadie, had been gone for 3 years and we really missed having a dog around. Although Sadie can never be replaced, we had plenty of room in our hearts for another special pup.

Money

Buying a dog costs money, whether you’re adopting or not. You’ll also need to invest in some basic equipment and necessities. For example, a new dog will need many things.

You’ll also need to budget monthly for their caretaking. Food, toys, groomers, vets…they all cost money. My daughter spends a lot more than she expected she would. Matter of fact, on the evening I’m writing this, she just returned from buying a new bed from Scheels (along with 2 toys!). Why a new bed? Charlie ate her other one.

If you don’t have extra money to spare at the end of the money, can you really afford another pet?

Patience

Even the best behaved, cuddly furball will require some extra TLC and patience from their new human! Kittens and puppies generally have more energy than adult cats and dogs, so you’ll need to consider your pet’s age and energy levels before committing to them.

We all know life can be stressful. Although I don’t personally have my own dog now, being around puppy Charlie reminds me just how much time it takes to take care of one.

If you’re new on a job, about to move, or going through any other major life event that increases your stress levels, you might not have the patience to train or bond with a new pet. And that’s okay!

Catering to individual needs

Every pet is unique. When my daughter first got Charlie, she was surprised when she realized how much “good” dog food cost. I mean, she only wanted what was best for her new family member.

Some pets need regular, professional grooming. Others don’t. Some pets will need to be walked 3+ times a day. Others don’t. Some pets have medical conditions that must be consistently monitored. Others don’t.

Finding the right service provider—whether it’s a groomer—it’s good to consider your prospective pet’s needs and find folks to help you in advance of bringing your new pet home. Many providers have waitlists, so good to get ahead!

Space

Is there extra living space inside and outside your home? Different species and breeds need different amounts of space, and younger pets often need more room to play than the sleepier, cuddlier older pets.

Before choosing a new pet consider, where will they room to play, relax and hang out, go to the bathroom… It’s a good idea to research which types of pets might do best with what you have available.

Commitment

When you choose to take on a new pet, your life will never be the same again! This can be an amazing thing, but it can also be stressful at times. Consider your level of commitment to what it will take to keep your pet happy and healthy – and the lifestyle changes you’d like to make and those you’d rather not. One reason we haven’t gotten another dog is that we like to travel…and sometimes without much warning. It’s difficult to find someone and I’d feel badly leaving!

With all those things said, there is NOTHING like being a pet parent. The immense joy all my pets have brought me is off the charts and unmatched; the constant companionship, sense of responsibility, increased activity…just to name a few.

How did you know it was the right time for a new pet? Let me know below!