Pets are truly amazing. Through thousands of years of domestication, we have formed a special bond with a select group of animals. Even though they look nothing like us, we’ve still etched a place in our hearts reserved for these cute, cuddly creatures. If history has shown us anything, it’s that owning pets can change a person for the better. If you’ve decided that you are ready to bring a pet into your own home, read on for tips on how to do just that.

 

 

Choose a Pet That Fits Your Personality

 

 

When choosing which pet to bring into your life, consider your personality. What kind of person are you? If you are looking to get fit and active again, you should choose a breed of dog that is energetic—one that will join you on those morning jogs and keep up with you as you exercise. If you’re more of an indoors person, then maybe you should get a cat, an animal that won’t mind spending a lot of time curled up next to you on the couch as you binge watch your favorite TV show. Essentially, pick the pet that matches you best, and you’ll find a friend for life.

 

 

Choose a Pet that Fits Your Home

 

 

When considering a pet, you should also think about how much space you have. Do you live in an apartment building, or do you have a yard? These details are essential to picking out a pet that will match your current living situation. Large dogs need big spaces and a yard to run around. On the other hand, owning a very small pet, or a pet that is contained such as a fish or hamster, might not be a very fulfilling choice if you have room for a more active companion.

 

 

Do Your Research

 

 

Before bringing your pet home, you need to know a few basic things. What does he eat? Where will he sleep? How will you potty-train him? Does he need any special medication? How will you take care of him when you are away? These are all important questions to consider when bringing home a pet for the first time.

 

 

Prepare Your Home

 

 

If you’ve never had a pet before, you will likely have some pet-proofing to do to make your home safe for your pet. Wires and chemicals can be particularly harmful. You’ll also want to protect your home from the inevitable pet-related messes. Remove breakable objects from the areas where your pet will spend time, and invest in cleaning products designed to remove pet odors and stains. Many pet owners recommend a water filtration vacuum for deep cleaning carpets and filtering particles from the air that causes a home to smell like the pet that lives there.

 

 

Let Them Warm Up to You

 

 

When you first bring home your pet, don’t expect to instantly bond. Most pets feel great anxiety when changing homes. Throw in a new face, and they can get frightened. Some pets come from abusive homes, so you will want to show them that you’re going to take care of them. Give them food, water, and space. After a few hours, you may begin to interact with them more and start building a relationship.

 

 

Get to Know Your Pet

 

 

The key to forming a bond with your pet is by spending time with them on a daily basis. For example, if you decide to go camping or hiking, find a way to bring them along. Each experience you share with them is another memory for you to cherish down the road. Eventually, you will begin to know your pet’s personality, and they will know yours as well.

 

Pets truly are amazing for humans. They pick us up when we’re down and bring empathy in the most unexpected of times. No matter what pet you choose, you are in for some of the best times of your life.

 

 

A big thank you to Jessica at ourbestfriends.pet for writing this fantastic article for Shutter Hound!

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