Things To Consider When Choosing You (or Your Childs) First Pet

by Cedar Pet Supply 01 sep
# Pet Tips

Things To Consider When Choosing You (Or Your Child's) First Pet

Looking to get a pet, but not sure where to start? Cedar Pet Supply loves helping potential owners like you figure out which pet is best for your lifestyle. Owning a pet can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. You are adopting a companion that will rely on you to have their needs met, and in return, you will be rewarded with their love (which can look different from species to species). You also get to know their personalities, habits, and quirks. 

Strive For Simple

If you are a brand new pet owner or purchasing a pet for a child to take care of, starting simple can be one of the best things you can do. You don’t necessarily have to start with a small pet, but you should consider a pet that is relatively simple to take care of. When you choose your new pet, it’s important to pick an animal that you are able to provide for and take care of. Additionally, while some pets seem like easy choices, they might have unexpected traits. Hamsters, for example, are nocturnal, which can lead to a less interesting experience than a puppy. Geckos look great, but they don’t love handling— you can only pick them up for five minutes or less per day, or you risk hurting their fragile skin!

You can set yourself up for new-pet success by doing your research, consulting with experts like the ones at Cedar Pet Supply, and picking an animal that fits your lifestyle. 

Factors To Consider When Choosing a New Pet: 

How Much Are You Ready to Commit? 

And no, we aren’t talking about you and your significant other. Dogs require a big commitment: puppies are as helpless as infants, and their dependency on you will only slightly lessen as they get older. If the idea of bringing in a new child to the household exhausts you, consider a reptile, rodent, amphibian, bird, or feline: these are animals that prefer to be alone. Do you get home from work and dread the idea of having to give a pet lots of attention? You’re in luck! Some frogs, lizards, and other amphibians and reptiles aren’t even suitable for handling. Talk about low commitment! 

How Often Are You at Home?

 If you are burning the midnight oil at your job, frequently vacationing, or a party animal that likes to stay out for all hours of the night, you need to consider what animal will match you in independence. Dogs are the most dependant and require a consistent walking and feeding schedule. Cats, small mammals, or other small animals like amphibians or reptiles might be a great fit. With that said, every animal requires a consistent feeding schedule, so be ready to plan a pet sitter if you are away from home frequently.

What Is Your Activity Level? What Do You Want Your Activity Level to Be

If you can’t muster up the energy after work to do any exercise, an active pet like a golden retriever or akita won’t be the right choice. Instead, opt for a low-energy animal like a less active dog (a great choice would be an English Bulldog or a Great Dane), a cat, small mammals, birds, amphibians, or reptiles. A note when it comes to choosing a dog: small size does not equal small activity! Even tiny 10 lb chihuahuas love to go on walks and will require frequent exercise. If you are looking to amp up your activity level, choosing an active dog might be a good strategy to get you out of the house. When they look at you with those puppy dog eyes, it’s hard to deny them a good walk! Additionally, a large dog can give you comfort and security when camping, hiking, or running.

How Much Work Are You Ready to Put In?

The truth is, every pet requires work. Even a slug has dietary and environmental needs! When you consider your pet, consider the aspects of care. This includes maintaining a clean living environment for them— be it a yard or a bowl— feeding, watering, caring, and sometimes training an animal. Decide how much work you can realistically put in, and go from there. A fish may require a lot of equipment for start-up, but after that you just have to focus on feeding, cleaning their tank, and upgrading to a larger environment as they grow. A cat, on the other hand, will requrie dental and medical attention, food and medicine, pet sitting, and even fees for licesnsing and registration! Dogs take it one step further, and need to be leash, potty, and chew trained.

Do You Have Children?

 If you are buying a pet for a child, be sure to choose a pet that they can care for and will fulfill your child’s needs. A gecko might be easy to take care of and look cool, but they can’t be handled. A hamster is sweet and cuddly, but they are also nocturnal. Although the smaller animals, reptiles, and amphibians are less work, they have restrictions when it comes to what kids can do with them. Cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and rabbits are undoubtedly more work, but they come with a lot of benefits. 

Speak With a Cedar Pet Supply Professional

If you want to adopt a pet for the first time for your or your child, or you’re looking for a change with the next pet you adopt, the professionals at Cedar Pet Supply are here to help you decide the best pet for your lifestyle and to provide you with support along the way. Come see our selection, and walk away with a new best friend!