Practical Pointers for First-Time Pet Owners

By: Penny Martin, TMC Contributor

*UPDATED 2/19/21

 Getting a pet is an exciting experience. From providing companionship to offering amusement, an animal will enrich your life in many ways in the future. It can even improve your wellbeing: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the health benefits of owning a pet include lower cholesterol, decreased blood pressure, and diminished feelings of loneliness. You can repay all that your pet does for you by creating a cozy and caring home for them. Find out how to prepare as a first-time pet-owner. 

Choose the Animal Wisely

 Different pets are suitable for different types of people. Older adults who have limited mobility may be better off with cats or birds, which don’t require regular walks. Other factors to consider include the size of your home and yard, cost of the animal’s upkeep, and how much time you have to devote to the animal’s care. If anyone in your family has allergies, this is also a consideration; a bird or reptile may be more suitable than a cat or dog. If you are determined to get a furry pet, make sure to get a hypoallergenic breed.

Prepare Your Home in Advance

 Before you bring your pet home, make sure you have all the supplies you need to accommodate them. The details will ultimately depend on the animal; for example, for a dog, you might need a crate, bedding, collar and leash, food and water bowls, grooming supplies, toys, and comfortable clothing. For a parakeet, on the other hand, you will need a cage equipped with bedding, toys, and food and water trays. Choosing a safe space in the house to keep the cage, away from rambunctious kids or other pets, is also imperative.

 Part of preparing for your pet’s arrival is making sure you have the necessary cleaning supplies for your home, as many pets shed and accidents do happen on occasion. Keep in mind that for major cleaning jobs, you may need to call in a cleaning service. And if you need any furniture repaired, you may need to hire furniture upholstery services (the cost of these services will depend on the type and size of furniture and the fabric used). 

 Get the Right Kind of Food

 Talk to a veterinarian in advance about what type of food is best suited for your incoming pet. Just like people, animals’ health can be directly impacted by what they do or don’t eat. A vet can also advise regarding supplements, such as probiotics. Some pets can consume probiotics to improve immune function and digestion. 

Acclimate the Animal Slowly

 Even with all the advanced preparation described above, don’t expect your pet to feel at ease immediately. The process of acclimation depends on the animal. For a cat, for instance, it's advised to start the kitty off in a limited part of the house, restricting them to a single room to start so they don't get overwhelmed. Even aquarium fish have their own unique needs; you should add a bit of the water from the bag they arrived in to their new home tank to ensure a gradual adaptation to foreign water.

Pet Insurance

As health care costs rise for people and pets, it would make sense for first time pet parents to consider insurance to help bring down veterinarian fees. You can find the “10 Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2021” on Money.com.

 Use Apps to Enhance Your Pet Care

 As a loving pet parent, you want to give your new animal the best standard of care possible. Apps can help. For instance, Vitus Vet is an app that lets you access your pet's medical records easily, wherever and whenever. If you are dealing with an emergency situation and end up at a vet office other than your usual one, this can be life-saving. Meanwhile, MapMyDogWalk lets you track where you and your pup have gone in the neighborhood, so you can find exciting new routes to explore together.

 These practical pointers will ensure that you are ready to welcome your pet to a comfortable home. Taking care of these points will also give you confidence as a first-time pet owner. You can rest easy knowing that you are adequately prepared to care for an animal.

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