PRIOR to Adding a New Family Member

Mar 27, 2024: Edition 206

Countless people acquire new pets without researching the care requirements & considering the time investment. If you'd like your child to visit animals, consider visiting a rescue shelter. (Every rescue shelter may have different safety guidelines, so please contact them before visiting.)

We absolutely endorse rescuing over shopping. There are so many animals living without families, homes, stability, consistent love & affection, etc. I am not discounting the love that they should receive from the shelter workers & volunteers. These people do amazing heart work & we're deeply grateful for them! I simply mean that a loving, stable & appropriate family & home is what we all want for every shelter animal.

Please invest your time & energy into researching not only breed & species specific details, but also the ways in which your family will be affected. Yes, we know the mental & physical benefits of adopting pets. Yet, have you considered the other aspects? The commitments include time, energy & monetary investments:

• providing exercise

• providing affection & mental stimulus

• visiting the vet

• purchasing supplies & medications

• purchasing food & supplements

• saving for potential injury & illness

• anticipating increased medical costs for aging pets

• hiring groomers if applicable

• hiring pet sitters while traveling

• hiring dog walkers & trainers if applicable

• creating a safe & engaging environment

• ensuring that family members aren't allergic

• ensuring that any existing & future pets are safe with this pet

• staying up to date on current scientific research findings

• creating a plan for appropriate, willing & loving homes for your pets in case you predecease them

If the pet is cared for by your children, will you take over if they move away to college or to start their career? Will they take the pet with? If the pet is yours, will you still be able to travel? What if (in the future) you have a child who is allergic? Or you marry someone who is? What if your income decreases suddenly due to layoffs, injury or illness?

Please consider all aspects & scenarios PRIOR to adding a new family member. They are completely dependent upon you for protection, food, love, etc." -Nalina Matthews