It is easy to be tempted to have a pet. The animals are adorable, promise to be fun, and inspire cuteness. Imagining yourself walking along the seashore with a dog running alongside you, playing with a cat to catch a toy, petting a soft Angora rabbit, or giving a parrot human chatter lessons are all great plans to make in your company. However, these pleasant moments are followed by others that are not so idyllic: grooming, visiting the vet, buying food or finding a temporary caregiver to take care of the animal when we are not absent. In the following lines we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of having a pet.
The decision to add a pet to your life should be considered. Infatuation with an animal – something that children tend to do frequently – to regret it after a few days is unethical. That is why you have to take some time to assess the decision considering the pros – which are undoubtedly many – and the cons, which are also there. Seeing where the balance leans will help you to know if it is time to have a pet or if, on the contrary, it is better to wait a little.
What you should consider before having a pet
A pet is a living being. The phrase may seem like a no-brainer, but it isn’t. Human beings have a tendency to reify everything around them, including animals. Seeing some fish, for example, as a decorative element is quite common. Following this premise, when it comes to “decorating” life with a precious puppy or a cute kitten, we will hesitate as little as we do when buying a new television. The problem is that if we get tired before our time, returning the four- or two-legged “product” is impossible.
For this reason, before going to the store or the adoption center to get a pet, it is advisable to calm the enthusiasm a bit and project the decision into the future. Animals require time, money and care. Their arrival in the family forces them to define spaces, change some customs, adapt schedules, etc. If you’re willing to make some sacrifices, chances are you’ll be rewarded with tons of unconditional love, fun and rewarding moments, and lots and lots of company.
Advantages and disadvantages of having an animal at home
5 advantages of having a pet
- They provide company, something very important for the youngest and oldest members of the household. Animals are especially beneficial to older people who live alone, as they experience less anxiety, visit the doctor less often, and communicate better.
- They help reduce stress levels. Petting, walking or playing with an animal reduces the stresses of the day and regulates the levels of cortisol in the blood (the so-called stress hormone).
- They promote responsibility. This is very positive, especially for children. Taking care of the pet will help them gain confidence in themselves.
- They favour physical activity. Dogs are the animals that demand the most outdoor plans with their daily walks and games.
- They facilitate social relationships. At the time of the walk, when going to the vet or when going to buy their food, the animals make us establish links with other people.
5 disadvantages of having a pet
- They represent a significant financial expense.
- You have to dedicate time to them. As can be seen from the report, an animal obliges to spend an average of three hours a day in its care – again, the species determines the amount of time .
- Cleaning. Living with a pet, regardless of the type, requires reinforcing the cleaning of the house to combat odours and remove dirt.
- Coexistence is sometimes difficult. In the family, the distribution of tasks to care for the pet is not always equitable, which can lead to friction. In addition, the neighbours may not be willing to share common spaces with the animal; Their activities inside our home – the barking of a dog, for example – may also make them uncomfortable.
- They force to look for a caregiver. Although it is desired, it is not always easy, or suitable for the health of the pet, to accompany us everywhere. Finding a foster home for the days we are absent from home is essential.
What if I can no longer have my pet at home?
If, due to life circumstances, you cannot continue taking care of your pet, you should find a new home for it. Spend time and effort on the task: it is not about leaving it to the first family member or friend who shows something of interest. Make sure that the person is going to take care of you properly and does not stay with them to do you a simple favour.
Sometimes, due to the characteristics of the animal, it is more difficult to find a new family. In those cases, it is advisable to contact a protector or a shelter, they can help us with the task or give us advice to make the search more efficient. In no case abandon your pet. Remember that they are domesticated animals, they will not know how to fend for themselves in a natural habitat and will die.
