Are you preparing to be a pet owner? If you are considering buying or adopting a new pet for the first time then you need to prepare. Read on to learn more in our pet parenting beginners guide.

Pet parenting: A beginner’s guide

What is pet parenting?

If you’re looking to add a pet to the family, prepare for all the unconditional love you can handle. Whether you choose to adopt a cat or dog, they can be excellent sources of happiness and comfort. However, keep in mind that they’re also responsibilities you’ll need to shoulder. This is what we mean by pet parenting.

What are the responsibilities in pet parenting?

You need to understand all the responsibilities in pet parenting before you buy a pet. And if you want to take care of them, you need to ensure that you’re ready for the commitment, especially if you’ve never owned one. To help first-timers out, we’ll discuss some helpful tips in this guide. Continue reading if you want to learn more.

1. Pick a pet that fits your lifestyle

One of the reasons why many first-time owners struggle to care for their pets is that they don’t pick one that fits their lifestyle. For this reason, you need to match your chosen pet with your lifestyle. For example, if you enjoy running exercises, having a dog that can keep up with you will make the activity more fun.

On the other hand, if you prefer to stay home, a cat or bird may fit your needs more. So be sure to consider your way of living before you commit to a pet. It will make the transition much easier.

2. Make your home environment pet-friendly

Taking a pet back home is easier if you’ve already prepared the house beforehand. Take some time to research the products you’ll require to give you an idea of what your pet should have. For example, the website of Mae Tissle has some invaluable information on cat treats for those looking to own a cat.

Once you’ve chosen your pet and done your homework, you can start shopping for litter boxes, toys, and other items. The preparation is essential. As you begin your pet parenting career you want to be ready to welcome your new pet.

3. Re-work your routine to include your pet

No matter the animal you choose, having a pet means that you’ll need to adjust to their needs. You’ll have to figure out an ideal schedule to give them the attention they need. One example is giving them food.

Free feeding might appear to be a simple solution to the problem, but it also opens the door to obesity. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have a set schedule for when to feed your pet. The same goes when it comes to interactions and activities with the pet. Doing so will make it not only easier on you but on your pet too.

4. Remember to be patient with your new pet in training

Lucky pets and owners immediately bond the moment they meet for the first time. However, these are rare cases. In most situations, it takes time to build bonds with animals. Therefore, you need to be patient and remain persistent.

Try to interact with your pet as much as possible and reward them with treats when they do a good job. Don’t give up – it will get better.

5. Find a dog sitters

Because dogs are intelligent creatures and love company you really need to ensure they have stimulation when you are away. So find a house sitter dog sitter from a reliable source ahead of your holidays or business trips.

Join a Housesitting and Petsitting network like HousesitMatch.com and build a profile as soon as you consider buying a dog. Then once you have your pet build a profile with photos.

Building a profile early will allow regular petsitters to get to know you online then when you post your petsitting request advert they can apply and you meet online. These petsitters / dog sitters will come to your home to care for your pets and wont charge you a penny.

Then you post a housesit advert stating your dates and details of the assignment. The sitters respond and you choose whom you want to be your dog sitter.

Affordable checked dog sitters

They HouseSitMatch dog sitters offer their services as an exchange of services for free accommodation and a review online. All members of this network are checked on registration and for a small annual registration fee you get free dog sitting and meet new people to care for your pet and home in your absence.

Pet parenting in summary

Pet ownership isn’t a luxury—it’s a responsibility. As enjoyable as it is to have a pet around the house, they also need to be looked after. By following these practices, you’ll ensure that your relationship with your pet starts on the right foot and make it as fulfilling as possible.

JOIN HOUSESIT MATCH

Join Housesitmatch.com a professional service that offers access to help you find free checked live in trusted petsitters and housesitters, for a moderate annual fee. These petsitters will help you keep pets at home safely and happy in their daily routine.

FURTHER READING ON PETS AND FINDING TRUSTED PETSITTERS

What are pet sitting services?

The Affordable Alternative to Dog Kennels

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

Housesitters keep pets safe at home and save money

What is House Sitting?