Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Preparing for a pet
• Part 2 of 2: Taking care of your pet
• Tips
• Warnings

Having a pet is great fun, but it also takes a lot of work. However, if you are well prepared, have done research and love your pet unconditionally, it does not have to be very hard to care for an animal. Read on for tips on how to properly care for the family's new addition.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Preparing for a pet

1. Determine if you can properly care for a pet. While a pet can be a loving asset to your family, it can also be difficult to care for. All pets require time, money and love, in addition to specific needs of each animal and breed. Make sure you want a pet not just at this time, but in the long run as well.
   • Most pets require a lot of attention and care throughout the day, so make sure you are home often enough to take care of your pet.
   • If you have children, consider which animals are kid-friendly. Hamsters and fish, for example, make excellent first time pets.
   • If you are planning to move or have other major changes in your life ahead, wait to get a pet until your life is stable again.
2. Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. Even different dog breeds have different needs, so choose an animal that suits your lifestyle. Before buying a pet, research the behavior and needs of different pets you like.Don't limit yourself to one species or breed - be open so that you can be pleasantly surprised and choose the right pet for your family. Remember some common concerns with different pets:
   • Dogs Although dogs differ greatly from breed to breed, all dogs require a lot of attention, exercise and space.
   • Cats Cats are intelligent and individualistic and can do with less supervision, although they still need your love and time so that they are happy and well-behaved.
   • Hamsters, gerbils, ferrets and other rodents These animals are relatively inexpensive and have a shorter life span, making them excellent first time pets. However, they can be very smelly.
   • Fishing - Fish need to be well cared for and supervised, and you cannot cuddle them. You may also want to consider getting fish if you have a garden with a pond.
   • Lizards - Can be good on their own and are easy to care for, but they are not very affectionate and it is difficult to judge if they are sick.
   • Birds - Birds can make a lot of mess and noise. They are also quite expensive and sometimes have a temperamental character, especially larger birds such as parrots.
3. Prepare your home for the pet to come. If pets don't have enough boundaries or safe places, you can get into trouble with them because they are curious and food-focused and will not yet heed your warnings. Birds can fly out of the window, lizards can hide all over your house, and dogs or cats can run into the street. Watch where your pet could escape and make sure the food is out of their reach.
   • Remove dangerous objects such as knives and poisonous foods.
   • If you want to let your pet out, consider putting a fence around your yard.
   • Designate a room as your pet's "bedroom".
   • Try to take your pet into the home during a relatively quiet period of your life so that there is no stress when everyone gets used to each other.
4. Buy all necessary tools in advance. Consult with pet store employees about the things you will need - a cage, toys, grooming supplies, etc. - and buy everything before bringing your pet into your home. Teach your family members how everything works so that everyone is on the same page.
   • If you have young children, you can prepare them for the pet by having them feed a stuffed animal first, or by regularly watering the plants.

Part 2 of 2: Taking care of your pet

1. Set aside enough money for the necessary care. Pets are not very expensive, but you will still have to spend money on them. Below is an estimate of the annual costs:
   • Dogs - € 700-800, depending on the size of the dog
   • Cats - €400
   • Rabbits - €200
   • Rodents - € 200-500, depending on the size
   • Fishing - €40
   • Small birds - €100
   • Big birds (Parrots) - € 500-1000
   • Also set aside a few hundred dollars for emergencies that require a visit to the vet.
2. Schedule regular visits to the vet. Make sure you take your pet to the vet right away when you bring it into your home. Like humans, animals also need regular examinations to identify problems before they become serious ailments. During the first visit, discuss how often you should come for checkups and ask if your animal has any dietary or medical needs.
   • Make sure your pet gets all necessary vaccinations as soon as possible.
   • Ask the vet what symptoms to look out for if your animal gets sick.
   • Spaying or spaying your dog can prevent overpopulation.
   • Keep your vet's phone number and veterinary clinic emergency number in a safe place.
3. Make sure your new "family member" is getting nutrition that suits his nutritional needs. The cheapest food is not always the healthiest. It's also not good to give animals leftovers from your own meal, no matter how cute they look when they beg, as they often contain minerals and other substances that are bad for your furry friend. Only provide suitable pet food in reasonable portions.
   • Find out or ask your vet about good pet foods and how much your pet needs.
   • Natural food is more expensive, but also healthier than dried or processed animal food.
4. Give your pet love and attention. While this is especially true for dogs and cats, even fish and reptiles need attention and love. Just like humans, animals are social creatures and need time to play in order to get enough exercise and mental challenge.
   • Give your pet room to run free - the bigger the animal, the more space it needs.
   • Buy toys that you can use with your pet.
   • Give your pet a treat from time to time with good behavior to motivate him and develop good habits.
5. Clean your pet and all areas it uses. Then both you and your pet will stay healthy and happy. Establish and stick to a cleaning schedule, at least every 2-3 weeks, cleaning your pet and all living areas to prevent illness and odors.
   • For larger pets such as dogs and cats, there are special salons with bathtubs and hoses.
   • Brush your pet every few days to remove loose hair and dander.
   • Keep your dog or cat's nails short so they don't hurt painfully.
6. Do your research on how to care for your pet. While these steps are general guidelines for keeping a pet, each animal is different and should be treated accordingly. Get tips from friends with the same pet, read books from the library, and check out an internet forum about your specific pet or breed. You can never know enough.
   • Once you have your pet, be flexible. Pets have their own personality and all have different wishes and needs.

Tips

• Read specific wikiHow articles on dog, cat, fish, and bird care to learn more.
• Consider adopting a pet from the shelter - they desperately need your love and support.
• Love your pet unconditionally and have fun with him.
• Pet your pet.

Warnings

• Do not get an exotic or illegal pet such as a monkey. Not only can you get in trouble, but you can't keep these types of animals well in your home, and they can become dangerous.