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When picking a pet, going for a particular breed that fits your lifestyle is the best way to ensure a harmonious, fulfilling relationship with your animal companion.
Finding what works best for you can be challenging as a first-time pet owner, though. You have to consider many factors, from your daily routine to potential beginner mistakes to avoid.
However, making your transition into pet ownership as seamless as possible is our duty. So, let’s go over everything you need to consider when choosing the right pet for your lifestyle.
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Table of Contents Show
Assessing Your Lifestyle
You should assess your lifestyle before starting to look for your perfect pet to learn how it’ll affect their well-being. Your employment, daily routine, and living environment are the most critical factors to consider.
Your employment is vital for two reasons: your free time and how well you can handle the financial commitment that is having an animal friend.
A small dog or an adult cat may be best for you if you lead a busy life and are always on the go. However, if you’re less constrained by your job and have an active lifestyle, go for breeds that thrive on daily exercise and love companionship.
Assessing your daily routine is crucial to choosing the right pet for your lifestyle. We’re talking about allocating time to play with, train, socialize, and exercise your pet. If you work from home, getting a needy animal with strict exercise requirements may not work well.
Evaluate your living environment, too. Some breeds can be affectionate and social with their human families. Others? Not so much.
Finally, your home is also vital to your pet’s happiness. While some animals can be comfortable in smaller households, others hate being confined to the same few rooms and may feel better if you have a front/back yard.
Factors to Consider in Pet Selection
When it comes to selecting a pet, dogs are a favorite worldwide, but they’re not the only option. Cats are also awesome, and so are fish and reptilians.
Here are a few factors to consider:
Time
Do you have enough time to see to your pet’s care and companionship?
It’s your ultimate responsibility to ensure your new friend feels loved and every need of theirs is met.
Golden Retriever dogs and Siamese cats require frequent socializing, training, and exercising. Consider them if you have free time you’d love to spend with a pet.
However, if you’d prefer a low-maintenance pet with minimum needs, cats like Maine Coons, and dogs, like Shih Tzus, can meet those criteria.
Fish and reptilians, in general, come with their challenges. Fish need regular water changes and filter maintenance, while reptiles need special equipment such as heat lamps and humidifiers.
Living Environment
Does your living environment allow for having a pet? Is your landlord imposing any restrictions or limitations?
Your house size is a deciding factor in which pet you can have. This mainly concerns dogs—large dogs won’t be comfortable in small apartments. Most houses and apartments can accommodate other small pets, though.
It’s best to have a back/front yard if you have an active or curious pet; it’ll give them more space to relax and explore. However, if you rent, consider whether your landlord allows you to have pets and whether your new friend won’t disturb your neighbors.
For example, having a Husky in an apartment complex isn’t a great idea—they’re very vocal and will probably net you many noise complaints. Bichon Frises, on the other hand, can be very relaxed and laid-back.
Finally, check whether your region’s climate suits your new pet. For example, Huskies can withstand temperatures as low as -76°F (-60C°); they’re naturally adapted to live in an Arctic climate. They won’t be as happy in hotter climates.
Finances
Can you afford the financial responsibilities of owning a pet?
Your companion will require some financial commitment. Pet insurance, food, grooming, and veterinary care can take a toll on your bank account, especially if you don’t budget accordingly.
Keep in mind that larger dog and cat breeds require larger accessories and more food. Other animals, like reptilians, amphibians, and invertebrates, come with different challenges. You might struggle to find a vet to deal with them and cater to their special dietary needs.
Ensure you can afford to feed and care for a pet before getting one. And keep in mind that different pets have different needs, so it may be best to adopt a fish if you can’t afford large dogs.
Commitment
Are you prepared for the huge commitment of owning a pet, considering their lifespan and potential changes in your life circumstances?
Animals have different lifespans, and so do particular breeds. On average, domesticated cats can live 12 to 18 years, dogs 10 to 13, and fish and reptilians a few years. Some dogs and cats can live over the age of 20, though.
The point is that pets live long, and much can change during their lifetime. We’re talking about changes in employment, moving states or countries, and even your readiness to care for them daily.
There’s also the reality that we almost always outlive our pets, and nothing is sadder than accepting that, one day, they won’t be with us. You must come to terms with this before getting an animal companion.
Family
If you have a family member with cat or dog allergies, this can be very problematic. Your dog or cat will shed their fur all around the house, triggering adverse reactions that can be quite dangerous.
That said, the primary concern of bringing a pet into your house is small children. If they annoy your pet (and they can play rough or unintentionally tease your dog or cat), the pet can retaliate and hurt them. That’s why getting a social, easy-going pet that’ll tolerate your child is best.
The good news is that more laid-back small dog breeds and most cats are okay with, and even protective human family members. Your family can even be interested in your pet and may help you with them, so you don’t have to be solely responsible for their care.
Pet Breed
Will the pet’s behavior and temperament align with your lifestyle and personality?
Different breeds have different needs and temperaments, but pets have different personalities, even within the same breed.
When it comes to dog breeds, Chihuahuas are territorial and aggressive and can bite without warning. Pit Bulls require proper training, and Dobermans are strong, muscular, and can be impatient with children and other pets.
Matching Pet Types to Lifestyles
Okay, you’ve assessed your lifestyle, considered several factors, and discovered you’re ready to own a pet. So here are your options:
Fish and Reptiles
Fish don’t need to be walked, groomed, trained, or cuddled. They don’t make noise or cause allergies, either. But the challenge of owning fish manifests in their fragility.
You need a suitable tank size with enough space for swimming, decorations, and hiding places. You must also monitor water temperature, quality, substrate, and more. They require much more research than other pet types.
Reptiles are similar. You have to equip their terrariums with heat lamps and use humidifiers to provide them with suitable living conditions.
Dogs and cats are more “present,” though, and are a more traditional pet option, so here’s what you need to know!
Dogs
Dogs are the most popular pet worldwide. They’re for you if you want a loyal, active companion that provides unconditional love and enjoys being part of the family.
Small dogs are better suited for apartments. They’re easier to care for, transport, and feed, and are usually more energetic. They’re often more affectionate towards their owners, too. But note that they’re fragile, and some small breeds are predisposed to health and behavioral issues.
Popular small breeds include Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus.
Larger dogs, while requiring more exercise and activity, are usually very protective of their owners and can be great companions to your children. However, they need more space, food, grooming, and exercise than smaller dogs. Their rough play can be dangerous to your children and property, so train them properly!
Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds are popular large dogs in the U.S.
Cats
Cats are misunderstood as being apathetic and “too independent.” However, that’s far from the truth—many cats are very loyal and loving towards their owners; their small size and big heart make them excellent additions to most families. They’re also low-maintenance and laid-back, usually requiring minimum training and exercise.
Save for some exceptions (Maine Coons, Ragdolls), most cats are small or medium-sized and will feel comfortable in your home environment. So, the breed is what you’ll have to consider when choosing one.
Siamese cats are needy, vocal, playful, and protective. They might be the pets for you if you fancy hanging out on a couch cuddling a furball. British Shorthairs are more independent, quiet, low-maintenance, and reserved. They’re ideal for busy professionals who are often away from home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are some common mistakes first-time pet owners commit:
Impulse Purchases
Don’t impulse buy! Sure, some animal breeds are gorgeous, but you must ensure your new pet can fit into your particular lifestyle.
Lack of Research
Many pet owners aren’t aware of their pet’s breed and unique characteristics. There’s that running joke: “What’s your cat’s breed? I don’t know, Orange?”
Educate yourself about your pet; you’ll learn to care for it better!
Underestimating the Finances of Pet Ownership
Having a pet, especially a larger one, can break the bank. Don’t underestimate the finances of owning a pet, as they need food, toys, vet visits, and pet insurance. Learn how to budget accordingly and prepare for unforeseen emergencies.
Ignoring Pet Socialization
Pets love exploring and meeting new animals. Don’t neglect proper socialization and environmental enrichment. If you can, get them a buddy to play with, especially if they’re already acquainted, like pairs in a shelter.
Consultation and Resources for Choosing a Pet
The American Kennel Club (AKC) should be your go-to place for everything dog. You can find a puppy, register your dog, explore and learn about different dog breeds, and even find your perfect match.
The International Cat Association (TICA) provides similar services but is cat-oriented. You can discover the different cat breeds, find a cat, and learn how to care for yours, among other services.
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) is there to address your fish concerns. They advocate for responsible fish ownership and can help you make informed decisions.
Things become trickier if you’re interested in more exotic pets, though. Give Atypical Animals Rescue (AAR) a shot for reptiles and amphibians.
Your veterinarian is your best friend, too. You should check with them if you have any further concerns!
Making the Decision: Your New Pet
Once you’ve figured out which pet and breed will best complement your lifestyle, it’s time to buy or adopt your new pet!
If you’re willing to, we recommend adopting instead of buying pets. You’re providing an abandoned animal with a new loving home and giving them a second chance for a happy life through adoption. You’ll also contribute to reducing the number of animals in shelters and easing the duty of welfare organizations, which can then help save even more strays.
We’re speaking from experience: adopted animals are often very grateful to their new owners and can develop an inseparable bond with them. They know you saved them, and they will be incredibly appreciative of you.
Visit your local shelter and see if you can find your desired breed in it.
For more exotic breeds (or animal types), you’ll likely need to visit pet stores and animal rescues or contact a professional breeder. The associations we provided in the consultation section are a good place to start.
Immediately after getting a new pet, take them to the veterinary (for a check-up and vaccinations. Prepare any required paperwork your vet care and location’s laws and regulations demand.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pet for your lifestyle is the best way to ensure your animal friend and you can live a joyful, fulfilling life. There are many factors to consider before getting a new pet, including your living environment, finances, and family dynamics.
We recommend you start educating yourself about your pet’s needs, attitude, nutritional requirements, proper training, and playtime practices. Check our website if you need further guidance, and we wish you many joyful moments with your future animal friend!