Having a pet is a very important decision, as mentioned in other articles. Ultimately, they become another member of the family, requiring specific care and attention.
When you say you want a pet, it sounds very easy. And you think of all the good things, the affection they give you, the companionship... and many more benefits. However, you don't think about the fact that they are another member and require a certain responsibility.
Adopting a pet, whether a cat or a dog, is a very generous act, as you give them the opportunity to live the life they deserve, and at the same time, you make room for another animal to enter a shelter. It is a very generous act, but for that, you need to be aware.
Thousands of animals are abandoned every year. According to a study by Fundación Affinity, more than 138,000 dogs and cats were abandoned in Spain in 2018. This is a very high figure, where shelters and rescues are overwhelmed and in many cases, lack space. The main reasons for abandonment are often lack of time, work, expenses, and even not knowing what to do with them when going on vacation.
Having a dog is not just the best gift you can give your child, but it also means being aware of the expenses and care involved. For this, experts often say that when deciding to get a pet, you need to know if you are prepared to assume that responsibility. And above all, if you are willing to adapt your life to the small changes in cohabitation that having a new family member requires.
At ARISTOPET, we spoke with María Martínez, a licensed veterinarian specializing in behavioral medicine, to give us a series of guidelines and tips that can help those individuals or families who are thinking of getting a pet.
How do I know if I'm ready for a pet?
When considering whether you are ready for a pet, whether a cat or a dog, María recommends keeping two main pillars in mind: time and financial situation.
- Analyze your life situation: It is recommended to analyze your lifestyle habits, to see if you believe you will have enough time to cover and satisfy all the needs an animal requires. It's not just about walking your dog, but about having time to be with them, play with them, and meet their needs. Ultimately, you have to think that you will have to sacrifice part of your time to give to another being, in this case, your pet.
- Analyze your financial situation: Having a pet entails a series of expenses to cover their needs, both food and health-related. You have to keep in mind that if your dog gets sick, you'll have to take them to the vet, and they will need to be treated or follow a certain treatment, which involves expenses. Therefore, it is recommended to analyze your financial situation to meet your pet's basic needs, not counting any treats or special items you might want to get them.
- Try to educate yourself: María also recommends dedicating some time beforehand to training about the animal you are bringing home. Try to spend time reading books, attending courses, and gathering information about your new family member. This way, you will get a lot of information and will know their specific needs if they have any, or their care requirements. As well as their behavior and the process of adapting to a family.
These three recommendations can greatly help you make the decision, but above all, beyond how much you want to have a pet, you have to consider if you can. It is an important decision that requires some reflection.
"Having an animal is a constant learning process; it's very beautiful because you learn to see life in a different way, but you need to have time to understand what they need and how they communicate, and in many cases, it requires money," concludes María.
María Martínez, licensed veterinarian specializing in behavioral medicine in Madrid
Malasaña Veterinary Clinic
Madrid 28004