5 Signs You’re Ready to Take Care of a Pet
Are you feeling like your time has come to take care of a fury, scaly or feathery little creature?
Before you actually get a pet, you need to know for certain you're responsible enough.
Scroll below for the five signs you're ready to take care of an animal.
1. You've Done Your Research
If you really want a pet, you know just which type of pet you want. Whether that be a dog, cat, snake or guinea pig, you've done your research on your animal of choice.
From what they eat to how they sleep, you know just about everything there is to know about them. And you've taken into consideration which type of pet will work best with your schedule and where you live. You can't get a big dog if you live in a tiny apartment!
(via Shutterstock)
2. You Can Take Care of Yourself
Your parents don't have to ask you to take out the trash, clean your room or even wash the dishes. You just innately do it, because you're ridiculously responsible.
If you're this self-sufficient, it's clear you can easily take care of another living being.
(via Shutterstock)
3. You're Patient
Having a pet is a lot of work, especially if they're a baby. With a pet comes great responsibility, such as training.
Cats and other smaller animals generally don't require much training, but the same can't be said for dogs. Some breeds are quick to pick things up, but others need some time.
If you know you don't have the time or energy to train them, a pet may not be something you can take care of right now.
(via Shutterstock)
4. You've Had Some Practice
You may've worked at an animal shelter or watched your neighbors' pet while they were on vacation. This gives you a general idea of what it's like to take care of a pet, so you'll know the basics when it's finally your time to shine.
It's always best to do a little test run to make sure you're really ready. You may know everything there is to know about taking care of an animal on paper, but it's a whole different ballpark when you actually have one in your life.
If you haven't yet tried your hand at caring for an animal, sign up to volunteer at your local animal shelter or ask your friend who has a pet if you could try pet sitting for a week or so. Practice makes perfect!
(via Shutterstock)
5. You Love Animals
This goes without saying, but if you really want a pet, you have to really love animals. And not just how freaking adorable they are.
You have to be able to put up with them waking you up in the middle of your night, chewing up your belongings, going to the bathroom where they shouldn't, etc.
If you can put up with all of that and still love your pet unconditionally, you're in business.
(via Shutterstock)
Once you actually get your pet, you can show them how much you really love them by buying some of THESE pet toys.