If you and your family have decided to welcome a pet into your house, congratulations!

Adopting a pet has numerous health benefits as they help humans to overcome stress, anxiety and depression, provide companionship, and improve overall physical, mental, and emotional health. Additionally, pets are a fantastic way to help people become more responsible, compassionate, and empathetic individuals.

As a pet parent, there are certain considerations you have to make prior to welcoming this wonderful new family member into your house. This foresight will help you be the best carer for your pet and ensure that they are happy and healthy at all times.

In this article, we take a detailed look at what to consider when bringing a pet into your house.

Get The Right Medical Care

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As a pet parent, it is critical that you sort out their healthcare needs. Whether you are adopting a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, or any other pet, you need to ensure that you search for the best local veterinarian and have annual checkups to maintain your pet’s health. It is also important to keep track of your pet’s vaccination records.

We recommend opting for pet insurance to prevent any unexpected financial burdens or shocks in case your pet becomes sick or has an injury or accident.

So how does pet insurance work and what does it cover? Pet insurance is medical coverage for your pet where you pay a monthly premium to the insurer or provider. Generally, you can customize a plan according to what suits you best. While pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, it covers surgery, medications, emergency exam fees, and unexpected injury or illness. Overall, you can expect to save a lot more than if you didn’t get pet insurance!

Be Prepared To Invest Time And Energy

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Having decided on welcoming a pet into your home, it is important that you and your family adjust your routine in a way that optimizes your productivity and also gives you ample time to socialize with your pet.

On a daily basis, you can expect to exercise or spend time with your pet, feed them according to their schedule, and clean after them. For example, if you decide on adopting a dog, you will need to exercise and walk them daily for at least an hour. Spending quality time with your pet is important for their physical and mental health.

Consider dividing the tasks and responsibilities for caring for your pet among your family members so that everyone equally contributes to the pet’s wellbeing. 

Pet Proof Your House

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Many pet parents tend to overlook pet-proofing their house before welcoming a pet. Pet-proofing is important to prevent your pet from getting injured or having an accident.

Some basic areas to consider when pet-proofing your house include the following:

1. Kitchen – Store all food items in cupboards rather than leaving them on countertops. Also remember to put away any sharp objects, such as knives or scissors, out of your pet’s reach.
2. Living room – Make sure there are no loose electrical wires or gadgets that can harm your pet. Also, be wary about plants that may be poisonous to your pet. 
3. Bathroom – Always keep the toilet lid closed and ensure that all chemical products are out of your pet’s reach.
4. All other areas – Generally, keep medication and cleaning products locked in cupboards and be mindful of leaving around any objects that they can swallow.

Take Care Of Their Hygiene And Food

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Caring for your pet means providing the right kind of food at the designated time. We recommend consulting your vet to draw up a weekly schedule. You should also know what human food to give to your pet and what to avoid.

Similarly, your pet will require regular hygiene care. For example, your dog will have to get their coats brushed to avoid it becoming flaky, while birds may have to get their nails clipped by a professional.

Generally, you should schedule weekly baths and consider other hygiene needs, such as brushing their teeth, trimming their nails, checking for ticks or fleas, to make sure they are clean and healthy.

Parting Thoughts

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Bringing a pet into your home is a wonderful and exciting time for you and your family. You will soon grow to cherish the bond you develop with them. By investing time and energy, you can be a fantastic pet parent. Just make sure that you keep the above considerations in mind so that your pet gets the best care that they deserve.