Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul has remained unawakened.”

Anatole France

Recently we have been seeing posts on social media by animal shelters requesting that individuals who are self-isolating consider fostering or adopting an animal. There is no doubt that providing a loving home to an animal and welcoming them into your life or that of your family is commendable and heartwarming The benefits of adding a pet or two to your home fare outweigh the excess fur on the floor. Ask anyone who has a furbaby, and their smile will confirm the amount of joy they experience having a pet in their lives.

That being said, we feel it’s important that your decision to adopt a pet not be taken lightly so we have outlined some important points to consider.

Your Lifestyle

Before adopting a pet, think about how it will fit into your life and daily routine. Outside of self-isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic, are you typically home throughout the day or gone for long hours on end? Do you travel a lot? How active are you? Consider how you want to interact with the pet as well.

• If you are looking for a companion for morning walks or a pet that gets you out and about, a dog is the way to go.
• Cats are great for those who want a pet they can cuddle and play with but are also happy to be left to their own devices.
• Or maybe you prefer a pet that you can sit back and watch, and maybe talk to on occasion, such as a bird or fish.

Where you Live

When it comes to where you live, the most important thing to consider is if pets are allowed in the building or as part of a rental agreement. If yes, the next logical thing is to consider the size of the pet and the space you have. However, many people mistakenly assume that big dogs don’t do well in condos or smaller homes, but that small dogs will be perfectly comfortable.

This is where more research comes in handy. While a Jack Russell is a small dog, they have lots of energy and require more activity than, say, a Great Dane.

If you are interested in a dog, size and space are certainly important considerations but so are proximity to trails, parks, or other green space, and if or how you can get them outside.

Budget

Beyond the upfront cost of adoption, you will need to purchase food and water bowls, and accessories (leashes, tank, birdcage, litter box). The main monthly cost would be for food, however, veterinary and grooming costs should also be planned for. Your pet will likely need vaccines, annual check-ups, nails trimmed, and may need its fur trimmed, coat washed, teeth brushed, etc.

Pets are a great stress reliever, they provide companionship, and add warmth to your home. But it is not a decision to rush into. Research is important, and so is meeting the animal before committing to bringing them home. Just like us, animals have different personalities. Some cats demand more attention than others, some dogs are more docile than others. Make sure they are the right fit for your home.

Becoming a pet parent provides a rich and rewarding bond, and can open you up to a whole new community of people.

If you do decide to adopt a pet, we invite you to post a photo of your new family member on our private Facebook group: AmintroConnects.