Choosing a pet that is right for you

Pets are always a lovely addition to the family. However, every type of pet, such as a dog, cat or other types of small pets are a responsibility that should not be underestimated. Before getting a pet you should keep the following questions in mind, what type of pet would suit you and your family? How much time do you have? Do you have enough space at home? Who can look after your pet when you are on holiday? You should keep these questions in mind and choose a pet that would be best suited to you and your lifestyle. In this article we will help you choose the right pet that would suit you and your family the best.

Checklist: how to prepare for getting a pet

What to consider when getting a pet

Pets quickly find a special place in our hearts. If you want to give an animal a home, there are a few things you will need to consider such as space, how will you look after your pet and the costs. This is the only way to find out which pet is right for you.

Below you will find some questions that will help you to clarify which type of pet is right for you:

• Are there any allergies in your family? It is advisable to go for an allergy test to ensure that fur and cat litter do not trigger any allergic reactions.

• Would everyone at home be happy with having a pet? The whole family can help out when it comes to looking after your pet. A pet should not be perceived as a burden.

• Do you have enough time? Think in advance about how much time you can and want to spend on caring and looking after your pet each day.

• Would you have enough space? Pets should have enough space to move about freely and they should not be confined to a small space. You should also find a suitable space in your home for a bed, a hutch and somewhere where your pet can eat and drink.

• Are you prepared to take on a long-term responsibility? There are a number of different responsibilities when you have a pet, such as making sure someone is available to look after your pet when planning a holiday. Lots of pets live for several years and should be well looked after until they reach the end of their lives, even if your children have already moved out.

Important information to keep in mind

The more research you do before getting a pet, the more likely you will be able to offer your pet the love and care it needs, in addition to a warm and welcoming new home. Think about what type of pet you and your family would like. Lots of children, for example, want a pet they can pet and play with. Small and shy animals, on the other hand, often like to be left more on their own. Your family and lifestyle play an important role in finding a suitable pet.

Do you have enough time to look after a pet?

You will need to make sure you have enough time on a regular basis to look after your pet. Depending on what type of pet you go for, make sure you have enough time to go for walks, playing, petting, visiting the vet’s and cleaning its cage. Even pets that are easy to care for will need attention on a daily basis. Before getting a pet, you should first clarify with everyone at home whether you have enough time and who will take care of the different daily tasks:

• Dogs: on average, you will need around 1.5 to 3 hours to go for walks and to play and offer your dog enough attention. However, depending on the breed and the dog’s age there can be some differences.

• Cats: depending on the cat, they will only need about 1 hour a day of your undivided attention.

• Smaller pets: rabbits and guinea pigs that are kept in a sufficiently large hutch or cage enjoy spending time with their own kind. However, be patient and allow enough time for your pet to warm up to you and to get to know you to build a closer bond. Hamsters, on the other hand, prefer to keep to themselves and don’t need a lot of attention.

How much space do you need for a pet?

You don't necessarily need a house with a garden to have a pet. Nevertheless, it is very important that your pet has sufficient space to move about in and a park nearby where they can enjoy being outdoors in a green space.

Below you will find some helpful information on roughly how much space different pets need:

• Dogs can be kept indoors, but they should go for regular walks to get exercise. A small flat maybe a bit too small, for example for dog breeds such as St Bernards or Great Danes.

• Cats can be kept indoors and if you live in a flat make sure that your cat has enough space so that it does not feel confined. They should also be able to retreat and have their own area where they can spend time by themselves. If you want to let your cat out, make sure that you have a cat flap so that they can come back inside. Cats cannot be kept outside permanently.

• Small pets are traditionally kept in hutches. However, rabbit and guinea pig hutches need enough space so that the animals do not feel cramped. As a general rule, you will need at least 6 square metres for two rabbits, also including a space where they can run about in. Guinea pigs will need about one square metre per animal. If they are kept indoors, they should be allowed to run free for several hours indoors or in a separate area. Hamster cages should offer roughly one square metre of space and also have additional floors so that your hamster has enough room to comfortably move about in.

• Birds such as budgies, canaries or even parrots should not be kept in small cages. Budgies will need a cage with a minimum size of 1,5 metres wide and 1 metre high. The larger the aviary, the more comfortable your pets will feel. A spacious aviary should also be combined with an area where your pet bird can fly about in.

• Fish need a large aquarium, which may require a base cabinet or stand depending on its size. An aquarium with a capacity of at least 54 litres is recommended for beginners. Classic goldfish bowls do not allow enough space for pet fish.

Below you will find some information on what you will need when getting a pet

Costs to keep in mind when getting a dog

• Getting a dog from an animal rescue centre is generally cheaper in comparison to getting a pedigree dog from a breeder

• Initial costs: bowls, basket, leads, toys and anything for your car so that your dog can travel with you

• Monthly costs: food, regular visits to the vet’s, bedding and any necessary pet insurance

• Life expectancy: on average 10 to 16 years, but this also depends on the breed

Costs to keep in mind when getting a cat

• Getting a cat from an animal rescue centre is generally cheaper in comparison to getting a pedigree cat from a breeder

• Initial costs: bowls, rest station, scratching posts, toys, litter tray

• Monthly costs: food, regular visits to the vet’s, bedding and any necessary pet insurance

• Life expectancy: on average 10 to 16 years

Information and tips on getting a cat

Costs to keep in mind when getting a rabbit or guinea pig

• You can buy a rabbit or guinea pig from a pet shop or a breeder. Depending on the breed, you may need to get two so that they don’t feel lonely

• Initial costs: indoor hutch, outdoor hutch, bowls, toys, hay racks, etc.

• Monthly costs: food, fresh feed, hay, bedding, regular visits to the vet’s

• Life expectancy: average around 6 to 8 years for guinea pigs and 8 to 10 years for rabbits

A guide on small pets

Costs to keep in mind when getting a hamster

• You can buy a hamster from a pet shop

• Initial costs: indoor cage, outdoor cage, bowls, hamster house, sand baths, etc.

• Monthly costs: food, hay, hamster bedding and any visits to the vet’s

• Life expectancy: around 3 years

Costs to keep in mind when getting a budgie

• You can buy a budgie from a pet shop. Make sure to get at least two, as they are very sociable and they can feel lonely quite quickly

• Initial costs: cages/aviaries, perches, bird bath, toys, bowls, etc.

• Monthly costs: feed, fresh food, sand and any visits to the vet’s

• Life expectancy: around 5 to 10 years

We have put together a helpful checklist and summarised all the important information you will need on getting a pet:

Download our helpful pet checklist

Buying or adopting a pet

If you want to buy a dog, cat, small animals or birds, you can either go to a pet breeder, an animal rescue centre or an animal welfare organisation. A pedigree certificate from a breeder provides insight into various aspects of character, appearance and health, for example if hereditary diseases typical of that certain breed are to be ruled out.

You can also buy smaller pets from pet shops. However, you should check online beforehand about the best way to care for these types of animals. It is also very important when visiting pet shops or pet breeders to check if the animals are being well cared for, healthy and are raised in a clean environment.

Reputable breeders will always show an interest in you as a potential owner and where your new pet will be living. They can also answer any questions you may have. They will also show you where they keep their pets and be able to show you the parent animals.

Otherwise, it is advisable to look around an animal rescue centre first. Many young and older animals are waiting for a new home and a loving family to look after them. Not only will adopting a pet be a lovely addition to your family, but you can also give your pet a new home. You are also supporting animal welfare organisations and rescue centres by adopting an animal.

Conclusion: what pet should you get?

To ensure that your pet feels welcome and cared for in its new home, you will need to make sure that you have everything they will need so that they can be properly cared for. Find out exactly what your new pet will need and discuss this with your family. Make sure that you have enough space and time available and also discuss who will look after your pet when you are on holiday. Before buying a pet, you should also consider the costs of food and any necessary check-ups and treatments at the vet’s. Once you have weighed up all the factors, you can then decide which type of pet would be best suited to your family and lifestyle. Owning a pet means a lot of responsibility, but it also brings a lot of joy to family life. By welcoming a pet into your home you will have a new loyal companion.

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References and further information

https://www.cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat/preparing-for-a-cat
(Last accessed on 20.02.2024)

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/choosing-a-rescue-dog
(Last accessed on 20.02.2024)

https://haypigs.com/pages/beginners-guide
(Last accessed on 20.02.2024)

https://www.kaytee.com/learn-care/ask-the-small-animal-experts/9-hamster-care-tips-for-beginners
(Last accessed on 20.02.2024)

https://www.petbacker.com/blog/how-to/7-important-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-pet
(Last accessed on 20.02.2024)

https://www.petsathome.com/pet-talk/pet-care-small-animal-rabbit-health-looking-after-your-pet
(Last accessed on 20.02.2024)

https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_multi_10_things_consider_before_pet_adoption
(Last accessed on 20.02.2024)

https://www.thepetexpress.co.uk/blog/blog-new-products/the-beginners-guide-to-keeping-fish/
(Last accessed on 20.02.2024)

The image sources in this text are in chronological order

Cover photo: iStock.com/Wavetop
1. Image in text: iStock.com/lechatnoir
2. Image in text: iStock.com/andresr
3. Image in text: iStock.com/leaf