Starting your adventure with a brand new pet can be a magical and exciting time. Whether it’s a cuddly cat or a loyal dog, bringing a new member of the family into your home could be a life-changing event! The big question is, what type of pet do you choose to fit you and your lifestyle? There can be many factors involved in choosing the right animal for you. At The Insurance Emporium, we want to try and help you give a new cat or dog a home, that’s why we’ve put together this guide to getting your first pet!
How much space?
Whether you’re looking at a cat or a dog, it’s probably going to be important to check that you’ve enough space for your pet. If you’re living in a one bedroom flat, adding an animal to the mix might not be good for anyone involved! Similarly, cats and dogs like exercise so it could be important to have a decent-sized garden when they can run around and play! Being close to a good walking route might be vital for dog owners, similarly cat owners might not want to be near a main road!
Can you keep up?
If you’re torn between a feline friend or a canine companion, your own exercise habits could be a deal breaker. It’s unlikely that someone who doesn’t enjoy regular walks and exercise would want an active dog, although it can depend on breed. For instance, if you don’t have the stamina to last a couple of miles then a Labrador may not be the choice for you! Those who don’t fancy adding any exercise to their own lifestyles may opt to get a cat!
Have you got the time?
The amount of time that you’ll be at home could make a huge difference in your choice of pet. Dogs have a tendency to get very lonely and more than four hours without company can make them quite anxious. If you work from home or you’re retired this could be ideal. If you’re often working 12 hour days then a cat could be the way to go! These animals love human interaction but are also more than happy to please themselves for hours on end! In general, all pets need your time for things such as feeding and visits to the vet, so make sure that you’re prepared for this!
Counting the cost
The initial cost of getting a pet can vary quite a lot but it’s not the only financial commitment that you’ll be making. There are all kinds of bits of equipment that you might require, such as collars, beds, toys and more. On top of that there is the daily cost of food for your beloved animal. Add in vet’s bills and treatments for things like fleas, then your pet could be costing you a pretty penny. Your pet will most likely always be loving and attentive but you have to hold up your end of the bargain and be prepared to look after them!
If you do take the plunge and bring home a pet, you might also want to consider getting some Dog Insurance or Insurance for Cats. At The Insurance Emporium, all of our new Pet Insurance policies come with a 20% Introductory Discount* and a range of benefits, such as cover for Vet’s Fees up to £8,000**! Head to The Insurance Emporium for more details!
*20% Introductory Discount only available for the first year of new policies.
**Vet’s Fees up to £8,000 on Dog and Cat Insurance available on Lunar Monthly Lifetime Gold policies.
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