Are You Paw-sitive You Would Make a Good Pet Owner?
Sure, we all want a furry friend in our lives, but if you've never taken care of a pet on your own, how can you be certain you're ready to become an owner? Before you take the leap, there are some things you'll need to consider—and traits you'll need to have. Here are 10 reasons you might not be fit to own a pet and 10 you are.
1. Allergies
If you're allergic to certain animals, it's probably best you don't get a pet. Even if you argue that you live with someone who can take on most of the responsibility, there's no fun in it for you if you might sneeze, get itchy eyes, or develop hives every time they so much as come near you.
2. Busy Life
Another sign you might not be the best pet owner is if you have a packed schedule. If you regularly hit the gym, meet with friends, go out for dinner, and have other commitments after your nine-to-five, forget about getting a pet—you won't have time to care for them.
3. Cluttered Home
Do you tend to throw your dirty laundry everywhere, forget to throw things out, and have an overall messy, disorganized space? If so, you probably won't be a great pet owner. After all, you wouldn't want them to live in a cluttered home where they could potentially get hurt.
4. Certain Mental Health Conditions
This isn't to say that you're not fit to own a pet if you struggle with mental health, but that certain conditions, like major depressive disorder, may make it more challenging to take care of a pet on the side. Talk to a therapist and ask if having a pet may be beneficial—or detrimental—to your situation.
5. Unable to Afford Care
Owning a pet can be costly. Not only are there vet bills to take care of, but you also need to purchase basic supplies to ensure they live a happy, comfortable life. Plus, some pets or breeds may be more prone to illness, meaning you'd have to be much more diligent keeping up with their health.
6. Anger Issues or Inability to Control Emotions
If you have a history of anger issues, physical abuse, or an inability to control emotions, you should not get a pet. Pets are companions and meant to be treated with love, care, and respect, as you would do with a friend. They aren't meant to be seen as toys or something you can take out your anger on.
7. Lack of Responsibility
If you have a tendency to shift blame or push responsibilities onto others, this is another clear indicator that you wouldn't be a good pet owner. Though some pets may be more high-maintenance than others, if you already feel iffy about having to potty-train them, go on walks, or bathe them, take those as warning signs.
8. Always Traveling
More than just having a busy schedule, if you're never even at home, it's not always feasible to be leaving your pets for others to take care of in your stead. If you often travel because of work or personal reasons, it's probably best you don't pick up a furry friend.
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9. Forgetful
Chronic forgetfulness is another bad trait, and it's often one many overlook before getting a pet. But caring for another life isn't just as simple as forgetting your car keys—you could be forgetting to feed them or provide them with basic needs.
10. Prone to Making Impulsive Decisions
Are you an impulsive decision-maker who doesn't think things through before jumping into commitments? If so, you probably aren't fit to own a pet. As mentioned, taking care of a pet is a big responsibility, and it's something you'll need to think through carefully whether you have the means to provide them a healthy, happy home before you take the leap.
With all that said, what are some signs you are fit to own a pet? Let's jump into what makes a good owner.
1. Work from Home
Working remotely means you're able to stay with your pet at all times, ensuring their needs are always met. Sure, it might also mean they'll video-bomb your daily meetings whenever they get the chance, but that's just a small sacrifice you'll have to make.
2. Flexible Schedule
On top of working at home—or maybe you have a hybrid model—you also have a fairly flexible schedule. Maybe you're a homebody who likes to stay in and read, or you're okay with shifting social outings around to make sure your furry friend isn't alone.
3. Patient & Empathetic
Pets can sometimes display volatile behavior—which means you may come home to torn sofas or shredded clothes from time to time. Good owners are patient and empathetic. Whether it's a lack of training or just understanding what your pet needs, you're always on top of it and don't resort to punishing them irrationally.
4. Understand the Responsibility
Owning a pet is more than just picking up poop or taking them out on walks at odd hours of the night (or morning). instead, it's also about ensuring you're always on top of what your pet wants and needs, and tending to them as quickly as possible.
5. Financially Stable
As mentioned, owning a pet can be expensive, from vet bills and routine vaccinations to basic needs, like food, a comfy bed, toys, and more. After a while, these costs can add up, so it's important to be financially capable to be able to adapt to being a pet owner.
6. Experienced with Animals
If you already have previous experience working, bonding, or taking care of animals, such as having volunteered at a shelter before or being a part-time pet-sitter for your friends and family, you might make a great pet owner. You already know how finicky they can sometimes be—and how lovable.
7. Pet-Friendly Home
Sure, you might have a clean space that's free from clutter, but what makes a home pet-friendly? Well, this means creating an safe and comfortable environment that suits their changing needs, such as providing cozy beds, a dedicated play area, and keeping sharp or fragile objects out of the way.
8. OK with Pet Hair
Before taking the leap and bringing a pet home, you'll need to make sure you're not only not allergic, but that you're okay with pet hair. Some animals shed very easily, which can get everywhere—on clothes, on hair, on sofas, and even in your food. Keep lint rollers and rubber gloves handy to tackle fur whenever you see it, and give your furry friend a daily brush-through.
9. Adaptability
To be a good pet owner, you must be extremely adaptable. This means knowing how to deal with sudden changes to accommodate their needs, such as purchasing accessories and items to support mobility issues or health conditions.
10. Cuddler
And of course, we can't forget the most important trait: you can't be a good pet owner unless you're always ready and willing for cuddles. Your furry friends need love and hugs, and whether that means letting them snuggle with you at night or letting them curl up in your lap during TV time, a great pet owner never forgets to give them a good belly rub.
