Written by Jessica Brody of Our Best Friends

If you’ve decided to become a pet owner for the first time, you’re in for an adventure. While there is a lot to consider in terms of preparation and lifestyle, it is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. In order to ensure you’re the best owner you can possibly be, we’ve put together a few tips to make this process smoother.

The Pet

• How large is your home and yard? Yes, technically you can live with an Irish Wolfhound in your one-bedroom apartment, but will you and your dog really be happy as lamps and are knocked over and doorways blocked? If your home is smaller, perhaps something like a Cocker Spaniel or a cat would be more practical. Also, consider the energy level of the pet. When they require exercise, a larger yard comes in useful. If you don’t have an adequate area for them to run around, or you aren’t within a reasonable distance to a park, choose an animal that doesn’t require a lot of movement.

• What is your schedule like? If you live by yourself and work until late every day, a dog is probably not the pet you need. Dogs require more attention and playtime than some other animals (cats, fish, guinea pigs, etc.). However, if your family and can delegate tasks such as playtime and walks, a dog is the perfect companion to add to the family.

• Allergies, anyone? It’s also important to consider whether anybody in the family has allergies. Despite the myth, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or cat. Also, each pet is different, so whether they cause allergy symptoms isn’t necessarily dependent on the type and breed. Animals that are non-shedding or hairless are typically wise options for an allergic household, and vigilant cleaning is a necessity. Furthermore, regular grooming can go a long way in reducing allergic reactions.

The Home

Once you’ve chosen a pet, it’s important to prepare your home before the arrival. You want to make sure you remove any choking hazards from the floor, keep medications and cleaning chemicals out of reach, hide electrical cords, and so on. It’s also good to have the pet’s living area determined before they arrive. Make sure they have enough space to be comfortable, but not so much that they feel isolated from the rest of the family.

Also, plan to do a lot more cleaning, vacuuming, and dusting than you used to. Many people find that it’s worth the investment to hire professionals to clean their carpet and rugs. For instance, it cost homeowners in Miami, Florida, an average of $171 for a carpet cleaning. If you want to keep your furniture in good condition, look at the cost of upholstery cleaning.

The Acclimation

Once they come home, expect the acclimation process to take some time. You can help your pet settle in by bringing some of their old items into the home. Also, it’s essential that each person in the family understands their responsibilities when it comes to caring for the pet. This will not only ensure the pet gets fed, walked, and played with each day, but it will also help each person form a special bond with the pet. Pets value routine, so making sure everyone is consistent with their tasks will prove to the pet that they can depend on you.

If you’re thinking about getting a pet, you probably should. Just make sure you consider all the factors (size of the property, schedules, allergies, etc.) when choosing what type and breed to bring home. Also, be sure to prepare your home before the arrival so that it’s comfortable and safe for the pet. Finally, take steps to help the pet acclimate to their new environment so that bonds are formed and everyone is happy!

Special thanks for the above to our guest blogger: Jessica Brody, Our Best Friends