It’s very exciting to add a new pet to your household – we’re all for it because animals are wonderful and all ‘pet people’ deserve this life-changing experience. However, adopting a new pet should not be a spontaneous decision. When the novelty of a new puppy or kitten wears off, you’ll still have the day-to-day responsibility of caring for a living creature. We implore you to look at the world through a new pet’s eyes: what do they want and need now? What will they want and need in 10 years’ time? Have you considered all the facets of their health and will you be able to meet their needs for physical, mental and emotional fulfilment? What is your role in this new relationship to ensure it is fun and stimulating for your pet, and affordable, sustainable and beneficial for you, your family and your other pets?
In this article, we offer you some tips and advice on the practical, financial and emotional implications of bringing home a new pet.
Step 1: Understand how a new pet will impact your life
There is a constant barrage of posts on social media about pets at rescue organisations who need forever homes. These can be difficult to scroll past, especially if you love animals and the dog or cat on offer is super cute. However, before the desire to adopt a new pet becomes overwhelming, take a moment to consider what the future will look like – for you and for this potential new pet. Everything will change for the next 10+ years, so make sure you are prepared.
Do you KNOW the breed?
Every breed of dog, cat, small animal, bird or reptile has different characteristics and needs that must be met. Not all cats love to lie around looking gorgeous; some cat breeds are people-oriented, while others are more aloof. Some cats insist on being outdoors and hunting, while others don’t mind the indoor pursuit of a laser light or a synthetic mouse. Some cats are tolerant of young children, while others prefer only adult company.
The huge variety of dog breeds gives potential owners so much choice. Take some time to evaluate your lifestyle and then choose the dog breed that suits it the best. If you work from home, but want some exercise twice a day, then a couch potato that needs two quick bursts of activity per day – like a greyhound – may be a good fit. If you work on a farm and want a loyal herder to help you with your duties without getting tired, a border collie (with her unlimited energy and working drive) will be a good choice. If you’re a marathoner who trains regularly and want a running buddy, the Siberian husky (who needs to run 10km per day) is a great option. If you like short works and a few bouts of playtime in a small yard, the Dachshund is your dog.
Learn the personality traits of the breeds you’re interested in: a cocker spaniel becomes very bonded to one person, while a Labrador is likely to want to spend a lot of time with everyone. Will this be your dog or your family’s dog? An Australian cattle dog needs to work-work-work and have his intelligence and physicality stimulated all the time, while a Boston terrier is a more adaptable fellow and will go along with whatever you want to do. If you end up adopting a pet whose personality, activity needs, and requirements for stimulus do not meet yours, this misalignment can leave you and the animal feeling frustrated and unfulfilled. If you find an appropriate match to your lifestyle, however, you’ll call them the ‘perfect pet’ – whereas it’s really the result of understanding what you need, and what you have to give that animal.
Are you aware of all the costs?
It’s tough to look at the sweet face of a kitten or puppy and not think of it as ‘priceless’, but there are very real financial implications when adopting a new pet. From buying a purebred puppy to adopting from an animal shelter – even those ‘free to a good home’ listings – there are costs associated with everything relating to animal ownership. When you adopt from a shelter, the pet’s vaccinations, deworming, microchipping and sterilisation costs are covered by the adoption fee (which can range from R800 to R1500). Covering those costs privately increases them exponentially.
The pet will still need supplies like a bed and blankets, cat scratching posts and litterbox, pet toys, grooming products, collar and leash, and food bowls. The annual expenses will include vet visits, vaccinations and possible dental treatments. Quarterly expenses may include tick and flea treatments, professional grooming, and deworming. Their monthly expenses will include food and treats, puppy school, socialisation and training. Draw up a budget to see whether you have the financial resources to adequately cover the costs of these pet necessities.
It’s not pleasant to think about, but can you afford a veterinary emergency? We highly recommend taking out pet medical insurance for each pet, so make sure you can comfortably cover the monthly premiums, and also confirm what is covered in the policy you choose.
Don’t fall victim to a pet scam
It’s possible to find almost anything on the internet, but as a rule of thumb, never look for a pet on Google! Scammers are everywhere – they even pay for fake online ads, using emotional tactics to lure pet lovers and liberate people from their hard-earned money. (Learn more about how to avoid puppy scams here – the same principle applies for all pets, not just puppies.)
Legitimate, registered breeders very seldom have puppies and kittens available, and when they do, there is often a long waiting list. The people on that waiting list will be carefully vetted to ensure that the puppies and kittens go to good homes who will meet the animal’s physical and mental needs. Legitimate breeders do not create a sense of urgency around the sale of the animal – that is one of the first indications you are dealing with a scammer.
If you feel ready for a new pet, but don’t want to wait, visit your local animal shelter or rescue organisation to see what and who is available. Contrary to popular belief, you may very well find a purebred pet – shelters are not only full of mutts and mixed cats. Also browse the social media pages dedicated to rehoming the breed of your choice – you’ll be surprised by the number of pedigreed dogs looking for new homes.
Do not spontaneously choose a new pet. Think of the long-term implications of your satisfaction, and the pet’s health, comfort and wellbeing.
Step 2: Put everything in place for your new pet
Is your home puppy- or kitten-proofed? Even if you simply cordon off a section of your home where your new pet will be safe, it’s important to be prepared before you bring your new addition home.
Pet-proofing your home can entail:
- putting up baby-gates in front of staircases
- keeping power cables out of reach
- locking away medications and cleaning liquids
- keeping food and snacks out of reach
- installing window screens (to prevent cats from falling or jumping out)
- stocking up a pet first-aid kit (and keeping the vet’s emergency number close by)
- putting up secure fencing
- checking that none of your indoor or outdoor plants are poisonous to pets
Young, teething pets will find anything to relieve their sore, itchy gums, and are likely to chew on things at their eye level, which include cables, shoes, chair legs, etc. Pet-proofing your home includes redirecting their attention to more appropriate items to chew – like lots and lots of exciting, engaging pet toys.
Use this as a checklist of supplies you’ll need to buy before bringing your new pet home:
- Food and water bowls (each pet should have their own food bowl, to avoid creating a competitive environment that can lead to aggressive behaviour)
- Pet food (on the vet’s recommendation)
- Pet supplements (on the vet’s recommendation)
- Pet treats
- Pet bed and blankets
- Pet toys (lots of them)
- Scratching post for cats
- Collar and leash for dogs
- Grooming tools (brush, nail clippers, toothbrush)
Step 3: Take your new pet to the vet
It’s crucial to establish a relationship between your pet and the vet, which can ideally be done during the initial consultation. The vet will use this opportunity to establish a health baseline from which to monitor your pet’s health in future. If you have adopted a pet privately, the vet will encourage you to microchip and vaccinate your new pet, and will recommend a date to bring your pet in for sterilisation. Sterilisation is vital for your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing, as it eliminates the risks of certain cancers and infections.
If you want to feed your new pet the best pet food to meet their nutritional and health needs, ask the vet to recommend the ideal pet food for your pet. Stick to the vet’s recommendation and do not feed your new pet table scraps, bones, and other foods that do not nourish them.
Step 4: Bringing your new pet home
Your new pet’s wellbeing, as well as the peace of mind and comfort of your existing pets and family members, need to take priority when your new pet comes home. Keep in mind how your existing pets may experience the newcomer (they would have had a meet-and-greet at the shelter if they have been adopted). Will the new pet acclimate easily to their new environment?
Here’s how you can make the transition as simple as possible:
- Allow the pets to meet somewhere neutral so that the new pet does not appear to be invading the existing pets’ territory.
- Separate the different pets’ beds, food bowls and toys. Give your new pet their own safe space where they will not be hassled by your other pets while they get used to their new home. Reinforce the desired behaviour by offering all your pets a treat if they stay calm on their own beds.
- Show young children how to handle pets with care if this is their first pet. Set some boundaries – like not interfering with the pet while they are eating or sleeping. Using a plush toy, show them how to pick the animal up appropriately – absolutely no picking them up by the scruff of the neck, pulling their tail or hitting the animal. All pet interactions must be supervised.
- Have a daily routine to instil confidence in your pet/s. If they know when to expect feeding time, grooming, sleeping or naps, playtime or a daily walk, this reduces their anxiety about what’s expected of them. A consistent daily routine also reduces the risk of pets suffering from separation anxiety or nervous, clingy behaviour. If you have a routine in place that gives pets enough exercise, they will be tired and calm by the end of the day, reducing the likelihood of destructive and unwanted behaviour.
- Socialise your new pet with other pets and people often so that they learn the ‘rules of engagement’ when out in public. Take them to puppy classes or visit friends’ pets who are calm and confident. Arrange get-togethers with other pet owners at the dog park or in a neutral territory, where pets can socialise and play in a non-competitive environment. A dog training class is also ideal for this purpose.
- Don’t simply walk your dog up to a stranger’s dog and call it ‘socialising’ – neither of them may appreciate it!
- Prioritise your new dog’s obedience training. Attend a group class or work one-on-one with a behaviourist to learn the best way to communicate and bond with your dog.
Step 5: Be patient with your new pet
Be empathic with your new pet – look at their world through their eyes and allow them to adjust to their new environment, while you give yourself time to adjust to your new pet. If your new pet has come from unknown circumstances or a traumatic background, they will need lots of compassion and patience to allow them to settle in, in their own time. Having come from a shelter or caged environment with little emotional security, they may be stressed and will need time to decompress and realise that they are safe. Some pets take longer than others to relax and settle into their new home – go at their pace, and give them a calm, loving and gentle experience.
Ask the vet for advice if you have any concerns about adopting a new pet and bringing them home.
