Many people need to pay more attention to whether the pet they choose will fit into their current lifestyle, even though making this decision requires careful deliberation. Having a pet is an exciting and pleasing experience, but animals have varying needs and behaviors.
However, before you get a pet, you must ensure that the new addition to your family and home will be compatible with your current lifestyle. Therefore, you must consider some factors before deciding which animal to get.
Reason for Getting a Pet
Recently domestic animals have proved that they can provide comfort and support to sick people, especially those battling emotional turmoil. Keeping pets provides stability and comfort for such people because looking after them is a healthy distraction, and the pets offer unconditional love to their caretakers. Pets are especially beneficial in helping to relieve psychological trauma. When owners rely on their pet animals for such support, the state classifies them as Emotional Support Animals.
In Texas, federal laws grant special privileges to emotional support animals (ESAs). These animals assist individuals dealing with mental and emotional health challenges, distinguishing them from traditional pets. Landlords and homeowners are required to accommodate ESA owners without charging any fees, recognizing the importance of these animals for their health conditions.
Individuals with ESAs in Texas are protected from policies restricting pets and additional charges such as pet rent, deposits, and fees. Unlike regular pets, ESAs are exempt from size or breed limitations imposed by building policies. These rights are provided by the Fair Housing Act and guidelines from the U.S. Department of Housing, and they apply specifically to the State of Texas.
However, getting the Emotional Support Animal Certification in Texas is important to fully benefit from the love and support of such animals in any setting. Now that you know the importance of having this certification in Texas, here are some tips to help you choose the right pet for your lifestyle:
Living space
You must factor in your home’s size before you decide which pet to adopt because some animals need more space than others to thrive. Some animals can feel caged in limited space and become frustrated and violent, while others feel depressed and fail to thrive. A big dog is not suitable if you live in a small apartment. Opting for a cat or a small dog is better in such cases. Likewise, a big dog will need ample space to run about and exercise, without which it will become lethargic and disgruntled and will not provide you with appropriate love and support.
Allergies
Another factor to consider is allergy. Some people are sensitive to the fur shed by excessively hairy dogs and cats and to dander or saliva. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, more than fifty million people in the United States suffer from allergies, which animal dander and saliva can exacerbate into asthma. Although it is easy to manage allergies with medical care, knowing if a certain animal will be more likely to trigger allergies in your family or the people visiting your home is crucial. It is a common misconception that some breeds of dogs are nonallergenic. It is not true, although some dog breeds shed less fur than others, so people classify them as a low allergen. These are more appropriate options for people prone to allergies. However, people with severe allergies should choose birds, fish, rodents, and reptiles as pets.
Age
Raising a baby animal to an adult is a rewarding experience, but it requires a lot of dedication and commitment. If you find yourself swooning over the adorable faces of puppies and kittens, remember that you will have to do potty or litter training and teach them not to claw the furniture and destroy stuff around the house. You will also have to take them for vaccinations and spaying and neutering. Hence, you should adopt a trained animal for companionship instead of a full-time job.
Expenses
You should also consider your budget before choosing a pet. Owning a pet and looking after all its needs can be expensive, so it is better to factor in the costs before getting one. Some pets consume a certain kind of food in large quantities, which may require a hefty sum of money. Other pets demand veterinary care and accessories, increasing the costs even more. Having a pet is a financial commitment because you need to pay for insurance, toys, and food. You may also have to pay extra for medicines if your pet falls sick. Some pets require a few hundred dollars a year for maintenance and upkeep, while others can cost thousands, so you must do proper homework before deciding which pet is best per your budget.
Pet Personality
Refrain from impulsively adopting an animal based solely on its looks. Insist on having several sessions where you interact with the pet in person before you adopt it because looks can be deceiving. It is impossible to determine whether an animal will match your personality or resonate with the same energy as you from a picture you see online. Accepting an animal from a well-known rescue organization or a shelter with a foster system in place is a better option than using breeders. A foster family can better tell you about the animal’s requirements and personality than a breeder. They will also tell you how the animal behaves with other animals and humans. Additionally, many such organizations allow people to meet a pet before adopting. They also permit people to take the animal home for trial before deciding whether it is a good fit.
Conclusion
Choosing a pet is a big decision as it may have a lasting impact on everyone. Although all animals demand some care and attention, some pets have more needs, and you must be prepared to fulfill them. Looking after your pet’s needs is worth it because the love and attention they give back is a gratifying experience. However, to avoid disappointment and false expectations, you should thoroughly research and select a pet compatible with your current lifestyle and expectations.
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