If you have always wanted to be a petowner then getting ready for a pet at home can be fun. There are a number of ways you need to plan to prepare. Here are some suggestions for how to go about planning and preparing your home for the new arrival.

Keeping pets appeal to you?

You might be ready for a pet – But is your home ready?

Pets are more popular than ever. The coronavirus pandemic has seen the number of pet owners rise significantly in the UK over the past year, with households buying 3.2 million pets in lockdown. 

Pets make great company, and bring all kinds of joy and love to your life. If you’ve been feeling pet-broody recently, you’re probably itching to bring a pet home. Yet having a pet is a lot of responsibility. Many people aren’t prepared for the realities of owning a pet. Beyond the cute photos and sofa cuddles, pets are a lot of work – especially for your home.

While you might be ready to own a pet, your home might not be. Take a look at some of the following considerations before you get too attached to the idea of bringing a fur baby home. 

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Getting ready for a pet at home – The Costs

There are a lot of costs involved in owning a pet. From the initial cost of homing your pet to vet fees, the cost of food and other pet necessities, the costs can soon add up. There are also some other costs to consider you might not have thought about, including the cost of a pet sitter if you decide to go away.

Do your research to see how having a pet will impact your household budget, it could end up costing more than you think.

Is your home big enough?

It’s important to choose a pet that’s the right size for your home. Cats and dogs need a lot of space to roam around and exercise, so not all breeds are suitable for apartment living. Smaller animals like rabbits, hamsters and even fish can be better suited to smaller spaces. 

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, you’ll need some outdoor space at home or nearby. You will likely live somewhere where there are plenty of good walking spots. A pet that’s bored at home could end up developing some bad behaviours out of boredom, leaving your house torn to shreds!

Your furniture and flooring

Pets are messy, there’s no way around it! When they’re toilet training, there’s sure to be some accidents. These slip ups could continue even after they’ve learnt to go outside! A pet survey from Beko revealed that ‘pet owners in most regions spend over 3 hours cleaning each week’. From shedding hair to getting mud on the furniture and floors, you could end up spending a lot of time cleaning up after your pet, and even spending money replacing furniture or flooring that’s been destroyed.

A final note on getting ready for a pet at home

Getting a pet is a big commitment. It has a big impact on your life and your home. It isn’t a decision to be entered into lightly. Pets can make a home, but they can destroy it too! Speak to other pet owners and maybe try pet sitting to see if it’s right for you. If you’re serious about getting a pet, prepare yourself for all of the possibilities. And think before you start by getting ready for a pet at home. Most of all, prepare yourself for a lot of love and fun with your new furry friend.

More useful blog links about pets and keeping pets

At Housesitmatch.com we always try to share useful and informative blogs and practical advice with our members. Read on to find some helpful articles with useful tips for pet owners and  petsitting.

What are pet sitting services?

What is in home pet sitting and how much will it cost?

Keep pets at home with a sitter for less stress