Has Your Beloved Pet Passed On? Consider these questions before getting a new pet.
If you’ve recently lost a beloved pet, you might be battling with the idea of getting a new furry companion. After all, it’s a big decision! Some owners choose to wait months or even years before bringing a new pet into the home, while others wait only days or a few weeks. Still others find the prospect of future heartbreak too much to bear, leading them to never take on another pet again.
The decision is an individual one that should be carefully considered. Grieving does get easier with time, and there are significant benefits to adding a pet to your life. If you’re thinking about getting another pet, here are four questions you need to ask yourself:
1. Are You Ready for a New Pet?
Psychology Today explains that it’s essential to grieve the death of your pet before rushing out to get a new pet. There is no exact time frame here. Some owners process their grief rather quickly while others take more time. Allow yourself to feel sad, lonely, and angry. Make sure you’re ready to add a new family member and are not simply trying to fill the void left by your deceased pet. Otherwise, you risk starting your next chapter with unrealistic expectations of your new pet and/or projecting negative feelings onto the pet.
Also, speak with those in your household to make sure each person is not still grieving and is ready to bring home a new pet. It should be a group decision. Along with the people in your household, you should consider any other pets that you have. For example, dogs can feel the same emotions as humans when they lose somebody they love. Confirm that their daily behavior is normal before adding a new pet to the mix.
2. Is Your Home Ready for a New Pet?
Another step to take when you’ve determined to get another pet is to make sure your home is prepared. This is especially the case if the pet you lost was a different type or breed than the new pet. But even if you’re getting the same type of pet, you will need to account for age. For instance, you may need to take special safety measures and invest in certain products if you’re bringing home a puppy or kitten.
Fortunately, you don’t have to drain your bank account to get the pet supplies you need. Retailers like Target offer affordable everyday prices, and you can further your savings through a Target promo code and other savings opportunities like cashback offers.
If you work from home with kids, you’ve already seen the importance of keeping them safe and away from your home office, where everyday items like dropped paper clips and staples can pose a hazard. The same is true for pets. Have a plan in place regarding how to ensure safety of both the kids and pets during the workday, and make sure they have designated areas for play, such as a fenced-in backyard.
3. What Kind of Pet (and Pet Insurance) Should You Get?
You should carefully consider what kind of pet to bring home. Take your lifestyle into account, as well as the responsibilities that you will be taking on. Factor in the pet’s size, age, personality, energy level, etc. If possible, allow for time to meet any pets you’re considering in person.
Whether it’s a dog, cat, or exotic pet, you’ll want to check into pet insurance. A good policy ensures that your pet will be treated as quickly as possible after an injury or illness and avoid expensive vet bills. Finding pet insurance isn’t difficult; a simple online search will do. Just be sure that you know what’s covered and ask about premium options.
4. How Will You Bond with a New Pet?
Finally, developing a bond with your new pet is critical to ensuring happiness in your household. How you approach the first several weeks will play a major role in that bond. Bustle suggests structuring your life in a way that allows you to spend time with your new pet. Prioritize walking, playing, training, feeding, and doing any other activities that will earn trust and loyalty from your pet. You can also keep them safe on walks with a comfortable but escape-proof harness. Most importantly, be consistent and simply try to enjoy your time together!
Nothing can change the fact that losing a beloved pet is heartbreaking. However, adding a new pet to your family can be a wonderful way to honor your deceased pet and share your love. Make sure you and your home are ready for a new pet, think carefully about what kind of pet to get, check into pet insurance, and work hard to form that beautiful bond.
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