Pet experts share adoption tips and advice
DELMARVA – Whether you’re a first time pet parent, or adding a new furry family member, there are many important things to consider.
Experts say the first step you should take is planning. Dr. Marianne Bailey, owner of Queenstown Veterinary Hospital, says it’s the step that’s overlooked the most, but is very important.
Your lifestyle is the first thing you should consider when deciding whether to get a dog or a cat.
“What kind of lifestyle you live, think about what kind of pet matches that lifestyle. So if you work long hours or you travel a lot, getting a dog that has a lot of energy, needs a lot of exercising might be a mismatch.”
Dr. Bailey says you should also think about vets in your area, especially if you’re a first time pet owner. She adds that many have lengthy waiting lists or may not be accepting new clients at all, so making an appointment for your new pet is something you should do as soon as possible.
According to Dr. Bailey, you should give it at least a few days for your new friend to settle in. If after a week you feel they’re struggling, it’s not a bad idea to reach out to your vet and see what’s going on.
If you already have pets at home, Dr. Bailey says make sure all your other pets are up to date on everything your vet recommends. And if you can, check into a meet and greet.
“If you’re able to do a trial with the pet I think that’s great, you’re able to go see the pet a couple times and maybe bring them to your house for a couple hours. That could be a good way to see how this dog is gonna react to kids or a loud house or other dogs in the house.”
A final tip Dr. Bailey has is to look into pet insurance. She says this is especially a good idea if you’re a first time pet owner, adding that first time pet owners can be like first time moms in the sense that they come to the vet a lot to check on their pet. Having pet insurance can ease the financial burden that comes with frequent visits, especially in that first year as you’re learning to take care of a pet.
