What Should Every Pet Owner Know Before Getting a Pet?

General Forum
1

Hey everyone!

I’m hoping to gather some advice and insights from experienced pet owners about things you wish you’d known before getting a pet. Whether it’s about:

  • Pet health and care
  • Behavioral tips or training
  • Unexpected pet costs
  • Anything else you wish you’d been told sooner

This will help me and anyone else who might be planning on getting a pet. Appreciate all the help! Thanks!

2

The real size of the cage you need for them.

I’ve owned various pets over the years, like birds, turtles, and fish. You often get sold cages that are too small. For example, I got a cage for a cockatiel once and it was definitely way too small, despite the picture of one on the box. My box turtle needed a minimum of 8 square feet to live happily. It took me a while to find a cage big enough online, but it was worth it!

3

Here’s what I recommend:

  1. Find a good vet with flexible hours.
  2. Know where your nearest emergency clinic is.
  3. Don’t wait too long to fix any health issues—take care of them right away.
  4. Put extra money aside for emergency vet costs each month. If you can afford pet insurance, it’s a good idea. Otherwise, saving money on your own can help, but that takes discipline.
  5. Make sure your living situation allows pets.
  6. Patience is key!
4
  1. Preventative care adds up, but it’s better than paying for serious illnesses later (like vaccinations, dental cleanings, and flea/tick/heartworm prevention).
  2. Behavioral problems are common and challenging, but it’s all about how much you’re willing to deal with.
  3. The costs can be surprising. I’ve spent thousands on vet bills, especially before getting pet insurance. It’s peace of mind knowing they’ll cover most of the costs.
  4. Dogs will disrupt your schedule. You can’t just take off for a trip without a plan. There will be times when you need to cancel your plans to deal with your dog’s health, accidents, or emergencies.
5

@Ash
This is really helpful! Thanks a lot!!

6

Will said:
@Ash
This is really helpful! Thanks a lot!!

You’re welcome!

7

Don’t just follow the feeding guidelines on the pet food bag. Ask your vet to determine how many calories your pet needs each day to stay healthy. Then check the calories per serving on the food bag and do the math. Keeping an eye on your pet’s weight can prevent a lot of health issues in the future.