Owning a pet is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether your pet of choice is a loyal canine or something a little more exotic, bonding with a member of the animal kingdom can be tremendously beneficial in many ways. That said, pet ownership can be challenging, expensive and sometimes heartbreaking. Although many pet owners stand by the opinion that the good outweighs the bad, there are multiple factors to consider before welcoming a pet into your life. Read on to discover the pros and cons of owning a pet.
Adopt Or Shop?
There is an ongoing debate in the pet ownership world about the morality of breeding. The phrase “adopt, don’t shop” is used to warn potential pet owners of the dangers of intensive selective breeding, which is notorious for causing numerous adverse effects such as reduced genetic variation and an increased risk of life-altering congenital disabilities. The obsession with pedigree and pure-bred cats and dogs is profoundly dangerous. In contrast, shelters are full of animals in dire need of homes, so consider changing an animal’s life and supporting your local rescue centre.
Renting With Pets
Many landlords do not allow pets in their properties for several reasons. Pets are renowned for causing property damage due to chewing, scratching and toileting. Even once a tenant with pets has moved, removing odours and stains from carpets and soft furnishings can be remarkably difficult. That said, some landlords will use their discretion to allow well-behaved pets, particularly if the tenant offers to pay for professional allergy cleaning once their tenancy ends.
Unconditional Love
The emotional connection you form with your furry best friend is something you will treasure for life. Studies have shown that pets are capable of developing strong bonds with their human caregivers, so yes, your pet loves you! Pets – particularly dogs – show their owners unconditional love, which can be excellent for combating loneliness and boosting self-esteem. The love language of animals varies significantly from species to species – while it may seem as though your cat only tolerates you because you provide them with regular meals, sitting close to you and holding eye contact is a demonstration of trust and affection.
Physical Benefits
Pet ownership can have a remarkably positive impact on your physical well-being. Every dog owner understands the importance of daily walks and plenty of physical exercise. Hence, caring for your dog’s health could, in turn, boost your own fitness levels. Once or twice daily dog walks promote heart health by improving cardiovascular fitness, warding off viral illnesses, lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, brisk walks with your dog can boost your mental well-being by increasing energy levels and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones.
Training
Training your dog can be a long and arduous process. That said, obedience training is mandatory for a happy, healthy and, most importantly, safe pooch. A well-trained dog that responds to their owner’s verbal and physical cues is less likely to get into trouble, resulting in harm to themselves or to other dogs and people. Fortunately, you can teach an old dog new tricks – it may just be a little more challenging for both of you. Fortunately, with a dog training clicker and enough perseverance, any dog can learn and develop better habits.
Costs
It is inadvisable to welcome a pet into your home without considering the potential costs. Between food, grooming, insurance and vet fees, pet ownership can be remarkably expensive. In the UK, the typical cost of cat ownership amounts to around £1500 per year, whereas owning a dog could set you back upwards of £2000 per year, according to Battersea Cats & Dogs Home. Moreover, the cost isn’t necessarily dependent on the size of your pet – small exotic pets like amphibians and reptiles require specific conditions with the aid of costly equipment like humidifiers and heat lamps.
Heartbreak
Nobody likes to think about the day they must bid farewell to their beloved pet. However, dealing with death is an unfortunate yet necessary aspect of pet ownership. At some point, many pet owners will have to make tough decisions regarding palliative care and euthanasia, which can be immensely emotionally draining. Although your furry best friend’s lifespan is comparatively shorter than yours, the best you can do is make the most of your time together by caring for their health and well-being.
Suitcase Publications 