Pandemic pets in high demand
The pandemic has had life changing effects on everyone. Many people seem to be feeling a greater sense of loneliness, stress, and boredom.
Personally, I have strongly considered adding another furry friend to my family to offset some of these feelings, and I am sure I am not alone.
Animals have a way of providing a sense of comfort and companionship, which is especially needed during these hard times. With many people finding themselves spending more time at home, welcoming a pet at this time may be a great idea. However, owning a pet is a huge time and financial commitment, so it’s important to be prepared.
If you are experiencing an increased amount of time spent at home, then this may be a great opportunity to add a pet to your family. While this provides plenty of time to work on training, it can also allow your pet to get a little too comfortable having a buddy around all of the time. If there is a time in the future when you will not be home as frequently, your dog or cat may become anxious when left alone and a dangerous or destructive situation may arise.
When you are going to be away, finding a safe space, either in a crate or room where the animal can safely be left alone, is important. This space should be free of any hazards such as access to garbage or electrical cords.
Remember, good behaviour requires practice and animals typically do best with a structured routine. Regardless of the need to leave the house, make a point to regularly leave your pet home alone to allow them to become more comfortable with the aspect of alone time. By setting your pet up for success, there is a greater chance you will have a more relaxing, enjoyable relationship with your furry friend.
If your pet needs to be left alone for long periods of time, you could also look into a trustworthy dog walker or pet sitter. It’s important to plan for the same time commitment post pandemic, as the amount of time pets require does not decrease just because you’re not home.
It’s no secret that owning an animal is expensive. With the financial strain that many are facing associated with the pandemic, there may be less funds available for animal care. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have money set aside for unexpected emergencies, as well as routine costs. Some of the typical routine costs include food, vet care, grooming, and enrichment items such as toys. Another cost may include boarding the animal if you plan to travel in the future.
To prepare for unexpected emergencies that can cause financial burden, insurance for your pet is an option. Whether you own a dog, hamster, or goldfish, you should prepare for the many related costs that could come your way. This should not necessarily cause people to fear from owning an animal, but it’s important to understand that this is part of being a responsible pet owner.
Interestingly enough, buying an animal is often the cheapest part of ownership, and maintenance and upkeep costs are ongoing. Luckily, the benefits pet owners receive in return are priceless.
If you are prepared for every aspect of pet ownership, finding a reputable and safe breeder or adoption agency is important. This will save you from any heartbreak caused by irresponsible breeding or sourcing of the animals, and ensuring their well-being. Be prepared to support the upkeep of your animals for their lifetime, however long that may be.
If you have already invested in a pandemic pet, or intend to, you now have a bit more to think about. Remember, all pets come with a large financial and time commitment, but they also come with a lifetime of companionship and love.
Laura Gauthier is a veterinary assistant at Central Nova Animal Hospital and an aspiring veterinarian. With a love for all animals, large and small, she is dedicated to sharing the joy and magic that animals bring.