برچسب: Pet

  • How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost – And Is It Worth It?

    How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost – And Is It Worth It?


    Whether you’re a brand-new pet owner or a long-time animal lover, one thing is certain: unexpected vet bills are no joke. A sudden illness, injury, or emergency surgery can cost hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.

    That’s why many pet parents consider pet insurance. But how much does it really cost, what does it actually cover, and most importantly… is it worth it?

    Let’s break it all down.

    PeopleLovingAnimals.com Affiliate Disclosure

    How Much Does Pet Insurance Really Cost?

    The cost of pet insurance depends on a few key factors:

      • Species – Cats are usually cheaper to insure than dogs

      • Breed – Some breeds are more prone to illness or injury

      • Age – The older the pet, the higher the premium

      • Location – Vet costs vary by region

      • Coverage Type – Basic accident coverage is cheaper than full wellness plans

    On average, you can expect to pay:

      • Dogs: $30–$70/month

      • Cats: $15–$40/month

    how much does pet insurance cost

    You can use a free quote tool like TheSwiftest.com to instantly compare prices across multiple companies. Or, if you’re looking for a quick and affordable option, check out my #1 recommendation, Lemonade Pet Insurance.

    how much does pet health insurance cost

    What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

    Most pet insurance plans cover:

        • Accidents and injuries

        • Illnesses (like infections, cancer, and diabetes)

        • Emergency care and surgeries

        • Diagnostic tests and imaging (like X-rays and MRIs)

        • Prescription medications

    Some providers also offer add-on wellness plans that help cover:

          • Vaccines

          • Flea/tick/heartworm meds

          • Annual exams

    what do pet insurance policies not cover

    Most policies do not cover:

        • Pre-existing conditions
        • Elective procedures
        • Cosmetic surgeries
        • Breeding or pregnancy-related care

    Feel free to request my free printable list of 12 questions you’ll want to ask before you decide on a pet insurance policy:

    compare pet insurance

    Pet Insurance vs Out-of-Pocket Costs

    Let’s look at real examples of what vet care can cost without insurance:

    Condition Average Cost
    Emergency vet visit $800–$1,500
    Foreign object surgery $1,500–$3,000
    Cancer treatment $2,000–$10,000
    Torn ACL (TPLO surgery) $2,500–$5,000

    These are just a handful of examples of  (expensive!) things that can happen.  I’ve personally experienced more than one emergency vet visit.

    is pet insurance worth it for dogs?

    One of those was for my Miniature Dachshund, Taz.  She slipped on some ice in the back yard and, even though she was ok and only needed x-rays, muscle relaxers and pain medication, the ordeal cost me over $1,000!  That’s her in the picture resting after the fall.

    I also had a Boston Terrier named Cagney who tore his ACL.  Here’s Cagney – if you look close you can see his favorite Monkey toy in the bed with him LOL!

    how much does dog health insurance cost?

    Are You Prepared to Handle an Expensive Medical Emergency for Your Pet?

    The sad truth is, without insurance, many pet owners are forced to go into debt—or worse, make heartbreaking decisions. If you’re not sure if insurance is the best route for you, consider the cost of doing nothing.

    when is pet insurance worth it?

    When Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

    Pet insurance is especially worth it if:

      • You’re adopting a puppy or kitten

      • Your pet is young and healthy (get covered before issues happen and are labeled “pre-existing conditions”)

      • You own a breed with known health risks

      • Your pet is active, adventurous, or prone to accidents

      • You don’t have a large emergency fund or can’t afford to put a big vet bill on a credit card

      • You want peace of mind that you can always afford care

    when pet insurance is not worth itWhen Pet Insurance Might Not Be Worth It

    It’s true that pet insurance really does not make sense for some people.  If you’re torn on whether that’s you, consider these points.  You may want to skip insurance if:

        • Your pet has multiple pre-existing conditions (that wouldn’t likely be covered anyway)

        • Your pet is very old and premiums are sky-high

        • You have enough in savings to cover emergencies yourself

        • You prefer a pay-as-you-go plan with low monthly commitment

    pet health insurance

    If your finances are basically pretty secure, you might, for example, consider getting a credit card like Care Credit.  They cover medical expenses, for people and for animals, and they’ll often have terms in place for delaying interest charges if the balance is paid within a certain time period.  I’m not affiliated with them, but I definitely recommend checking it out at CareCredit.com.

    That said, some coverage is better than none, and many plans cover big-ticket items that savings accounts can’t always handle.

    How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance

    Not all pet insurance is created equal. But for many pet owners, researching the million-and-one different policies available, comparing coverage, costs, fine print…can be challenging to say the least.  Downright daunting, in my opinion!

    Here are some tools to make things easier for you.

    how much does pet insurance cost

    1. Compare Plans with TheSwiftest.com

    Use their free quote engine to see prices, coverage options, and rankings from all the top providers.  They’ve already done all the work, and their website lays it all out in very easy-to-understand terms.

    compare pet insurance

    2. Get a Quote from Lemonade Pet Insurance

    Lemonade offers basic plans starting at $10 per month, with an easy sign-up process. You can read my full review of Lemonade Pet Insurance here, or click here to get a free quote:

    how much does pet health insurance cost

    Bonus: Free Guide – 12 Questions to Ask Before Buying Pet Insurance

    Still not sure? Get my free guide, “12 Questions to Ask Before Buying Pet Insurance” — a simple checklist that helps you make the smartest decision for your pet and your wallet.

    compare pet insurance

    Final Verdict: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

    Pet insurance won’t be the perfect solution for every pet owner. But if your goal is to avoid surprise expenses, ensure your pet always gets the care they need, and give yourself peace of mind — it’s absolutely worth considering.

    Related Posts:

    Is Pet Insurance Worth It for Dogs?  (includes video: watch it here)

    Is Pet Insurance Worth It for Cats?  (includes video: watch it here)

    Health Insurance for Pets: Everything I Wish I Had Known!   (includes video: watch it here)

    Average Cost of Pet Insurance

    Help With Vet Bills: Ways to Pay for What Your Pet Needs: (watch video below!)

    watch my video: help with vet bills

    peoplelovinganimals.com

    I Donate to Animal Charities

    Thank you for visiting People Loving Animals!  I hope this post helped you decide whether you’d like to get pet insurance and how to get it at an affordable price with a policy that makes sense for you and your pet.

    You should know I receive a small commission when you use some of the links on my site to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.  I donate 10% of my profits to the animal charities listed here If you like my website, will you please share it with your friends and family who have pets?  I’d appreciate it so much (as will their pets!)  Debra

    Check Out More of My Articles About Pet Health Here



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  • Homeward Pet | Kitten Development

    Homeward Pet | Kitten Development


    Kitten Development

    At Homeward Pet, we have taken in kittens as young as 1 day old and kittens who both have and don’t have mothers that are still caring for them. When we take in kittens who are too young to be adopted, they go straight out to foster care until they are ready. This is the best way to ensure that these fragile little beings are properly socialized. Most kittens do not spend more than a week in the shelter.

    Have you ever considered fostering a litter of kittens? Here is what you can expect at each of their formative weeks.

    The First Week

    Newborn kittens are incredibly vulnerable. They are born blind, deaf, and unable to regulate their own body temperature or eliminate waste independently. Tiny enough to fit in the palm of your hand, they weigh just 3-5 ounces. At this stage, they are entirely reliant on their mother for protection, warmth, and nourishment. Despite their helplessness, they can purr and vocalize distress. They spend most of their time sleeping, waking primarily to eat, as they have significant growth ahead.

    During their first week, kittens cannot stand. Their eyes remain closed, and their ears are folded. Orphaned kittens this young require round-the-clock care, including bottle feeding every two hours—yes, even through the night! Their senses of smell, hearing, and taste begin to develop.

    By about one week of age, kittens become slightly more aware of their surroundings. Their eyes are nearly open, though their vision remains unfocused, and they have typically doubled their birth weight. Their ears also start to unfold.

    The Second Week

    Kittens continue to grow rapidly during their second week. They huddle together for warmth and comfort, rarely straying far from their mother, their nest, or each other. Their eyes remain blue, a color that persists for the first few weeks, with their true eye color not fully apparent until around two months old. As their sense of smell develops, they may hiss at unfamiliar scents or sounds, though their tiny vocalizations are often more endearing than ferocious! They also begin kneading, though their claws are not yet retractable.

    The Third Week

    By the third week, you can often distinguish between male and female kittens. Their teeth begin to emerge, and their walking becomes more confident. This is a good time to introduce a litter box and wet food. Even at this age, kittens still sleep for a substantial portion of the day. They also start to eliminate waste independently, a significant milestone that signals the beginning of litter box training.

    If you’re bottle-feeding, you’ll notice kittens drinking more at each feeding, but less frequently—typically four to five times a day. You can also begin introducing solid food, starting with wet food mixed with kitten formula. By the end of this week, they will weigh close to 15 ounces and walk steadily with much less wobbling.

    During the Second Month

    At four weeks old, kittens are sturdy on their feet and engage in playful interactions with each other, toys, and people. Their fur begins to fill out, and you may start to tell whether they will have short, medium, or long coats.

    This is a particularly fun age! With their sight fully developed, kittens engage in vigorous and exhaustive play, running and exploring until they literally fall asleep wherever they are. While they are experimenting with solid food, most kittens still nurse from their mother (or are bottle-fed by you) a few times a day. Human interaction is crucial for kittens at this stage. Consistent handling and play from people help them associate positive experiences with humans, which is vital for their successful adoption into new homes. Kittens also begin to exhibit instinctual behaviors like stalking, hiding, pouncing, and digging—behaviors ingrained in all cats, whether they grow up indoors or outdoors.

    By the end of the second month, kittens will be almost fully weaned. Introducing them to new people, different areas of the home, and other pets is an important part of their socialization. At this point, they are fairly self-sufficient.

    Ready for Adoption

    At Homeward Pet, we have taken in kittens as young as 1 day old and kittens who both have and don’t have mothers that are still caring for them. When we take in kittens who are too young to be adopted, they go straight out to foster care until they are ready.

    Considering opening your home to a litter of foster kittens? It’s a rewarding experience that makes a huge difference in their development and lives.

     

    Not ready to foster or adopt?  Please consider a donation to help us care for these fragile beings over the coming year. Make your donation recurring by clicking the tab to make it a monthly gift.

    Please note that, if you are having difficulties seeing the form below, turn your browser pop up blocker off.  Note that the form scrolls within itself to get to all the fields.

    excerpted from a story written by Alley Cat Allies

    photos courtesy of The Kitten Lady



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  • Is Your Pet in Pain? Subtle Signs Dog and Cat Owners Miss


    It can be difficult to tell when our beloved dogs and cats are in pain or need extra care.  In this guide, you’ll learn how to recognize the signs your dog or cat may be in pain and when to …

    The post Is Your Pet in Pain? Subtle Signs Dog and Cat Owners Miss first appeared on People Loving Animals.



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  • Compare the Best Pet Insurance Plans of 2025

    Compare the Best Pet Insurance Plans of 2025


    Instant Quotes | Affordable Plans | Vet Bills Covered
    Trusted by Over 500,000 Pet Parents!

    ✔️ Top Benefits of Pet Insurance

      • Covers accidents, illness, and more

      • Affordable monthly premiums as low as $10/month

      • Fast, online quotes from top-rated providers

      • No hidden fees — what you see is what you pay

      • Protect your dog or cat from unexpected vet bills

    ✔️ Compare up to 10 pet insurance companies in one place
    ✔️ Takes less than a minute
    ✔️ No obligation to purchase

    WAIT! Before You Go…

    🎁 Get My Free Guide: “12 Questions to Ask Before Buying Pet Insurance”

      • Learn exactly what to look for in a pet insurance plan.
      • Avoid common mistakes and get the best deal for your pet!
      • Sent instantly to your inbox (check your spam folder if you don’t see it)
      • You’ll also get tips and information about pet health insurance by email

    Why Pet Insurance Matters
    Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

    Vet bills can run into thousands of dollars very quickly.
    Pet insurance helps protect your wallet, your pet and your peace of mind!

    Accidents happen.  Illness strikes.
    Be prepared!  Get the best coverage now, before you need it.

    Note:  I respect your privacy. Your information is never shared!
    As an affiliate of TheSwiftest.com, I will earn a commission if you make a purchase — at no cost to you.



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  • Compare Pet Insurance the Smart Way


    As a pet parent, one of the toughest decisions is figuring out which pet insurance is actually worth it. Between confusing terms, hidden fees, and too many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where TheSwiftest.com comes in — and …

    The post Compare Pet Insurance the Smart Way first appeared on People Loving Animals.



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  • Homeward Pet | Let’s Change Lives Together 🐾

    Homeward Pet | Let’s Change Lives Together 🐾


    Let’s Change Lives Together 🐾 – GiveBIG and give them a second chance.

    At Homeward Pet, we believe every life is worth saving—even when the road to recovery is long, complicated, and expensive. This GiveBIG, your generosity makes a meaningful difference for pets like Marlin, who need more than just shelter.

    Marlin joined Homeward Pet in December 2024.  During his intake exam, he rubbed against the vet’s hands and purred contentedly. At six months old, he was drastically thin and malnourished. Our hope was that a few weeks of a healthy diet and a steady stream of love would be all it took to prepare this kitten for his forever life.

    While at the shelter, he let the staff know that he was uncomfortable, and we were challenged to keep him eating. His sweet nature had volunteers flocking to his kennel to try unsuccessfully to find treats or a food combination that would entice him. He always leaned in for the love but away from the food with that wrinkle to his nose that only cats will make. You know the one.

    As his time with us stretched into the holidays, Marlin’s weight stayed critically low, and his spirit showed weakness between the purrs. A staff member offered to take him home to see if that would help. His time in foster included sleeping on his foster dad’s chest, and requesting cheek rubs from his foster mom. However, he didn’t show the verve one would expect from a kitten and struggled to explore his playful side.

    Marlin came to visit our clinic often and was tested for any disease that might be causing his symptoms.  Our staff consulted with multiple outside vets and researched conditions that might be less common. Marlin bravely leaned into the tech’s fingers for scritches while blood was drawn and curled into a volunteer’s waiting arms while his prognosis was discussed.

    Marlin spent months in foster care.  In February, it seemed like the combination of meds and supplements prescribed had finally gifted our gentle boy with a reprieve.  He started to play; he jumped for the first time after a wand toy, and spent calculated time figuring out how to escape his foster room.

    He was brought back to the shelter in hopes that we were close to being able to list him for adoption.  Volunteers welcomed him home with cheers and open arms. Despite his playful nature and hopes for his healing, he started to show pain in his mouth, which culminated in the removal of five of his teeth. Unfortunately, the upward trajectory of his health was not to be and his mouth has continued to become more swollen and more painful.  He struggled again to eat. His treasured face scritches started to cause him to flinch.

    After thoughtful tests, he has been diagnosed with stomatitis, which is a severe inflammation of the mouth that can affect up to 4% of cats. It is a painful condition where the immune system overreacts to the bacteria in dental plaque, leading to inflammation and ulceration. Most often, the only cure is to remove the source of the plaque – the teeth. Yes, all of his teeth. Thankfully, Homeward Pet has had several litters of kittens where this was the diagnosis, and has a staged plan in place to ensure that the best decisions are made for the long term health of cats with this horrible condition.

    Poor Marlin is now only ten months old but has spent his entire life battling mysterious ailments. Despite the pain he’s feeling, he continues to be a bright spot in our day, every day, giving us reasons to laugh and celebrate his silly personality. He still greets every volunteer with a purr and gentle taps with his paw. He patiently allows our clinic staff to poke and prod, confident that they have his best interests at heart. Not once has he growled, swatted, or been cranky about his care.

    Marlin’s story reminds us why our work—and your support—matters so much. He’s still fighting, and so are we. When a pet arrives sick, injured, or in distress, they don’t know what’s coming next—but together we can make sure what comes next is healing, compassion, and hope.

    Your GiveBIG gift isn’t just a donation. It’s a lifeline for pets like Marlin, ensuring that we never have to say “no” to an animal in pain because of cost or the time it takes to find a cure.

    Your gift will be put to immediate use to treat, heal, and comfort more than 1,500 pets’ that come through our doors this year, including Marlin’s continued care. Thank you for being a part of our mission, and for giving animals like Marlin the care they deserve.

    There’s still time to have your gift go TWICE as far this GiveBIG! Thanks to a generous matching grant, all donations will be matched dollar for dollar until midnight.

    Give now. Give hope. GiveBIG.

     



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  • Homeward Pet | Help other pets like Kaia get the care they deserve

    Homeward Pet | Help other pets like Kaia get the care they deserve


    Help other pets like Kaia get the care they deserve

    In 2018, Kaia arrived at Homeward Pet Adoption Center, and it didn’t take long before she found a loving home. However, when a new baby joined the family, Kaia struggled to adjust. Having a young child in the house proved stressful for Kaia. She became withdrawn, and her reactivity grew as her stress did.

    Her loving owners reached out to Homeward Pet. For five years, Homeward Pet Adoption Support provided behavior training, guidance, and support to try to help her thrive with her growing family.

    Despite everyone’s best efforts, and although her family loved her deeply, they ultimately made the difficult decision to return her to Homeward Pet. They wanted the best for this sweet girl and hoped Kaia could find a quieter, more predictable home, better suited to her sensitive needs.

    Upon Kaia’s return to the shelter, our team worked patiently to match her with a foster home that could gift her with an environment to help her decompress from years of stress. We introduced her to her potential foster family multiple times to ensure a smooth transition.

    Unfortunately, the first night in her foster home, Kaia suffered what can only be described as a panic attack. She was so terrified of her new surroundings she tried to escape by throwing herself at walls and out of windows. At midnight, our team received a call from her foster family, who rushed to bring her safely back to the shelter.

    After allowing time to settle back into life in the shelter, Kaia underwent a sedated physical exam and extensive testing. The results revealed she was hypothyroid – a condition that can heighten anxiety. With new medication and a treatment plan in place, Kaia miraculously began to seem less stressed.

    To ensure she could feel safe and happy in a home again, our team went the extra mile. After a few months of care in the shelter, staff members were able to secure an AirBNB for an overnight to see how Kaia would do in a home environment.

    Kaia had a blast – she curled up on the couch with staff, cozied in, and took a peaceful nap. In fact, she felt so at home, she even stole a piece of pizza when she woke from her nap!

    Because of your incredible generosity, Homeward Pet was able to provide Kaia with the specialized veterinary and behavioral support she desperately needed to treat and ease her anxiety. Today, Kaia is ready to find her forever family.

    Your GiveBIG gift isn’t just a donation. It’s a lifeline for pets like Kaia and so many others still waiting for a second chance.

    Take advantage of our match pool and DOUBLE your gift, today! Thank you for being a part of our mission, and for giving animals like Kaia the care they deserve.

    Give now. Give hope. GiveBIG.



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  • Tips for Traveling Safely With Your Pet on a Plane


    Travel can be a big deal for your pets, especially when it involves air travel.  It’s essential to plan ahead so you and your pet will be prepared for the entire process, from booking the flight to arriving at your …

    The post Tips for Traveling Safely With Your Pet on a Plane first appeared on People Loving Animals.



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  • Pet Guardians: Is Your Pet Protected?

    Pet Guardians: Is Your Pet Protected?


    A lot of us don’t want to think of being separated from our pets in any way, shape, or form, but unfortunately, it can happen. If the worst should happen to you, is your pet protected? How do you know that your beloved pet is going to end up with someone you can trust or that they are going to be properly looked after?

    In this guide, we explore the options that you have to make sure your pet is looked after long after you have died and still lives the full and happy life you intended.

    Including a pet clause in your last will and testament

    When you work with an estate planning attorney to plan for your passing, there are a lot of different clauses and stipulations you can put into your will. A pet clause will outline who you want to look after your pet and turns this into a legal guideline to protect your pet when you die.

    Choosing a pet guardian

    Choosing a pet guardian

    Who will be your pet guardian? It isn’t easy to choose, and you will want to make sure that you have discussed with anyone you want to name as a guardian and see if they are happy for you to do so.

    Pet guardians should:

    • Be in a good state of health themselves and therefore in a good position to look after animals.
    • Like animals. It is essential that they don’t have any phobias and that they actually want to look after animals in the event of your death.
    • Have space for the animal and suitable facilities. For instance, if they live in a high-rise apartment block it may be harder for them to look after pets, as they don’t have a garden or outside space easily accessible.

    Leaving money to pets in a will

    It is a good idea to leave some money to pets. Of course, they can’t spend this money themselves, but it is for things that may crop up throughout their lives. Pets need food and care including veterinary attention from time to time. Leaving some money for this removes the burden from your potential guardian.

    Instructions for your pet guardian

    You can create a separate document that can go to the guardian in the event of your death. This can outline things like veterinary details, medical records, and other important documentation regarding your dog. It can also show what they like and the sort of things they are not keen on or even scared of.

    It is normal for a pet guardian to feel a bit overwhelmed in the case of needing to inherit and care for a pet, even if they love animals. This means that the more instructions and help you can provide, the better.

    Setting up a pet trust

    A pet trust is a way to ensure that you fund your pet’s care even after you have gone. Working with an estate planning attorney, you can complete the relevant documents to ensure that you have outlined what money is going to be put in this trust, as well as the trustees. The trustee/s will be able to access the money after you have passed and they are responsible for sticking to your instructions.

    What happens to your pet when you die?

    It is a real fear for many of us. What is going to happen when we die, and what will happen to our loved ones? This includes pets, of course.

    Luckily, by creating a will and a pet trust, you should be able to ensure that your pet has the kind of care they need. In your will, you can outline who you would like to leave your pet to, just make sure you have asked them if they are happy to take on the guardianship of your pet. It helps if you have left behind financial backing, of course.

    Conclusion

    We all love our pets and want to know that they are in good hands, even after we have passed away. Your will can give you the peace of mind you need, knowing that someone you can trust will be given your pet if you pass away and can no longer take care of them.



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  • 6 Signs You’re Ready to Adopt Your First Pet

    6 Signs You’re Ready to Adopt Your First Pet


    According to the 2023–2024 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the number of pet-owning families in the United States has now reached 86.9 million. That’s approximately 66 percent of all US households. Are you thinking of adding to that number and opening up your home to a canine or feline companion? 

    A lot of people took the plunge in the previous years and have since discovered the many joys and benefits of becoming pet owners. These pets provide their owners with comfort and companionship, and their presence can even encourage people to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle. But as much as pet ownership has its benefits, it’s also a big responsibility. If you’re considering becoming a pet parent for the very first time, it’s something that you should unreservedly want and be thoroughly prepared for. This is especially important if you intend to adopt a pet who’s gone through several obstacles in life before reaching their fur-ever home.

    Are you truly ready to adopt your first pet? Here are some signs that the answer is a resounding yes. 

    You’ve Done Your Fair Share of Research

    There are a lot of things you should look deeply into before adopting your first pet. First, you need to understand the implications of welcoming a certain species into your home, Next, you’ll need to narrow down the breed and know what its care requirements are.

    Cats and dogs have different needs, for instance, and the experience of owning a Bichon Frisé is wildly different compared to owning a Belgian Malinois. One dog might be completely content with being a couch potato, while another cannot stand inactivity and utter boredom. If your idea of pet ownership is collecting custom dog collars and dressing up your pet for walks and events, there are breeds that will suit your desired lifestyle more than others, and you need to do your research on which type of pet is the best fit.  

    You Have the Time and Space to Care for a Pet

    You Have the Time and Space to Care for a Pet

    Making time for your pet is a must. You’re not the only one longing for companionship—your pet wants the same thing from you. If you’re in a single-person household, then your pet may have no one to interact with when you’re out all the time. You also have to make time in your schedule for walks, feeding, bathroom breaks, grooming, trips to the vet, and other activities that will help ensure your pet’s health and well-being.

    Your living arrangement is also an important consideration when owning a pet. If you rent or live with others, you should be given the green light by your landlord to house them in your space, and it must not cause health issues for your housemates. It’s also a must to have a dedicated place where your pet can pee and poop even when you’re not around. 

    You’ve Accounted for the Cost of Pet Ownership

    It’s no secret that owning a pet can cost a fair bit of money. You have to buy items and supplies that will make your pets feel right at home, such as beds, food, toys, and bowls. Vaccinations, vet visits, spaying and neutering, and grooming services also cost money, and these are essential to ensure your pet’s good health.

    The same can be said of the other services that your pet might need in your absence, such as dog walkers, doggy daycares, and pet boarding. In some places, pet owners are even required to get licenses for certain types of pets, which is another expense you should consider. 

    You’re Ready to Make a Lifetime Commitment

    Pets are a lifetime commitment, and a cat or dog’s lifetime can last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. As a pet owner, you have to train your pet, provide them with the best possible quality of life, address any behavioral problems that they might have, and advocate for them when they have medical issues. While pet ownership can bring a lot of joy, it also has its dark days, and you should be there with your animal companion as they go through all of these. 

    You’re Prepared to Sacrifice Some Sleep

    Cats and dogs are crepuscular, meaning that they are most active during dusk and dawn. This can mean early wake-up calls for food, walks, and bathroom breaks for dogs.

    Cats, on the other hand, can get the so-called “zoomies” in the middle of the night. Both types of pets also tend to be more attentive and reactive to strange noises during these times.

    It’s possible to get them used to a diurnal schedule by sticking to a consistent routine. However, there will still be a period of adjustment in which you’ll have to deal with each other’s schedules and times of high activity. You should only say yes to adopting a pet if you’re willing to work through these growing pains with them.

    Your Home Has Been Thoroughly Pet-Proofed

    It’s ideal to keep cats indoors so that they are less likely to hunt other animals, get into fights or accidents, get lost, or eat things that they shouldn’t.

    This means that you should keep your doors and windows closed or screened. For either a dog or cat, you should also watch out for potential dangers inside your home.

    Curiosity can get the best of your animal companion, and they’re at risk of getting poisoned if they stick their noses where they shouldn’t. Keep your detergents, cleaners, medicines, and even food supplies behind closed doors and locked cabinets if you know that they could endanger your pet.

    If you have agile pets like cats and birds, clear your counters and shelves of things that they can damage. You should also check if all the plants that are accessible to your pets are actually safe for them. Plus, be ready to quickly clean up and disinfect your home in case your pet makes a mess anywhere they’re not supposed to. 

    Save both you and your pet from either troublesome or even heartbreaking events by ensuring that the space is fully pet-proofed before they make it their home.

    If you’ve said yes to all of these signs, then you might just be ready to adopt your first pet. Prep your heart and your home for the arrival of your new pet, and soon enough, you’ll discover why more and more households in the US count pets as beloved members of their families. 



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