Owning a pet is a life-changing experience. Furry companions can bring happiness and fun into your household. However, having a pet is a significant commitment, which is why you must consider the following factors before you adopt a pet:

1. Providing a pet-friendly atmosphere for five or even ten years.

Five or ten years is the typical lifespan of a dog or cat. This is the duration you should prepare for when committing to taking care of a pet despite any circumstances. 

Whether you are entering married life, having children, moving places, changing careers, or going through significant life changes, you must consider how your pet will play a role in it. If you do not consider these life changes, you’ll be facing the heartbreaking decision of returning them to shelters.

2. Ask your roommate or spouse if it is okay to have a pet around.

Unfortunately, no matter how cute a dog or cat is, sometimes they can be a nuisance to others. In an interview with Vetstreet, Dr. Ernie Ward said, "if you have a roommate or spouse, make sure that he or she is totally committed to a new pet. I've seen many couples fight openly over the care of their pet." 

To avoid unnecessary drama, ensure that everybody is on board with getting a pet, even your kids, if you have any. Some people may not appreciate a furry friend because of their rowdy behavior, shedding problem, or perhaps your children are too young to care for a pet.

3. You can tolerate household destructions.

When you live with pets, accidents are bound to happen like shredded sofas, missing shoes (or socks), scattered toilet paper, or dug up trash bins. It depends on how creative your pet is. Yet, no matter how naughty your furry companion is, you should be extra patient with them.

Moreover, it would be best if you were keen to train them to avoid such destructive episodes inside your household. It might also help to buy them toys to keep them busy, but it will add to your expenses.

4. Pet-proof your home.

Dogs and cats love to wander anywhere. They will crawl under furniture or anything with gaps. Cats tend to jump on high areas like countertops, shelves, and even ceiling fans. Dogs love to play zoomies in every corner of your house because of their boundless energy.

That is why it is crucial to pet-proof your house to avoid harming your pet, home, and dwellers. Hide dangerous things like electrical wiring and sharp objects. Keep items out of reach that you don't want them to pulverize, like toilet paper, pillows, and *cough* your kid's homework. Avoid growing toxic plants inside and outside your house as well. 

5. Choose a pet you are compatible with.

Unfortunately, love at first sight with the pet you've found at the shelter doesn't signify a happy and long-lasting relationship, especially if you have fallen in love with their looks and not their personality.

In a Mashable interview with former ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Senior Vice President Gail Buchwald, she said, "Not picking a pet on the basis of its appearance alone and understand what [personality] factors are going to make the match successful over the long term." 

Dr. Ward agrees with this, and he adds, "The best chances of a great match start when you identify expectations and remain realistic about the relationship." Do your research first before choosing the pet of your dreams and ensure that your personalities match.

6. Spay or neuter your pet.

This is one of the controversial issues you should take into account when adopting a pet. Spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) your pet has its pros and cons.

According to ASPCA, it can prevent breast cancer and uterine infections in female pets, thus allowing them to live a longer and healthier life. For males, it prevents testicular cancer and unwanted litters. 

However, spayed or neutered pets are likely to be obese or overweight, based on an article from The Washington Post. They are also prone to orthopedic injuries.

Please talk with your vet before doing any life-changing operation. But if your state requires sterilizations of household animals, then you need to comply.

7. Microchipping your pet.

Family fur babies are unpredictable and adventurous, especially cats! They might get lost or run away when they are strolling around the neighborhood. It might help to microchip them or get a collar with a tag to identify your pet correctly. 

Perfect Petzzz: Hassle-free pet adoption

If you don't want to go into trouble weighing the conditions stated above, then get an alternative like Perfect Petzzz. It is a lifelike pet that can also offer a real pet ownership experience without hassles and expenses.

You won't have the problems you can experience with real-life pets. They will not cause a stir, which means no unnecessary drama with your housemates or loved ones. You don't have to worry about pet-related accidents or chewed footwear. You don't have to spend on food, injections, vet checkups, microchips, or spay/neuter operations.

All you need to do is shower them with attention and non-stop cuddles. In return, they will provide you with constant companionship and love.

Each Perfect Petzzz bundle includes a new plush pet bed, collar with pet tag, pet brush, and adoption certificate. It is available for purchase through our Amazon site. For any other inquiries, contact us here.