Raise Your Pet Now If You Can
Now the world is a scary and tense place. Parents combine the pressure of working from home with the added stress of school closures. Workers, especially in the service sector, face layoffs or shorter work schedules. Meanwhile, physical distancing means giving up many of the routines that keep us grounded.
One way to make the world friendlier and less lonely is to raise a pet. With all the necessary precautions taken, many shelters are now in need of volunteers to provide temporary shelter for their animals in order to free up resources. Even if you are unable to offer a permanent home, parenting is a way to help an animal in need. The good news is that pets cannot transmit COVID-19.
There are many health benefits to having a pet. These include lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The most important benefit, especially in the COVID-19 era, is that pet owners are reporting reduced levels of loneliness. With all the physical distancing going on right now, a pet could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
So, if you do decide to raise an animal, here are a few things to consider. Like humans, all pets are different. The right breeder animal will depend on your resources, level of knowledge and specific needs.
How much exercise does this pet need?
Dogs need daily walks; cats require a little less grooming. Some dog breeds need more exercise than others. Choosing the right animal depends on your general fitness level as well as your timing.
How much space do I have?
If you live in a small apartment, a large dog may not be the best choice and you might be better off going with a cat or small dog. If you have a large backyard and can walk regularly without worrying about crowds, a large dog may be ideal.
Do I have enough time?
For some of us, the answer is that we have too much free time. For others, our time may be more limited. Pets take on the job, whether it’s cleaning the litter box, walking, or cleaning the fur from the carpet every morning.
What kind of experience do I have?
Some animals will need training, while others will find it more difficult to adapt to their new environment. If you are an experienced pet owner, you may be able to cope with a more difficult situation with a foster family. Otherwise, you probably want to get an animal that is already trained and has a calmer temperament.
Next step: call local shelters
If you feel you are able to raise an animal, the next step is to find your local shelters, be it your local SPCA or one of the many other pet shelters, and call them about raising the animal. Besides all the practical concerns of caring for an animal, it is also important to ask about the history of the animal as well as their temperament.
Just keep in mind: there is always the chance that you will want to keep them forever. Not that it’s a bad thing.