Learning the Basics of Pet Ownership: Consider the Six Keys Before Bringing Home A Pet of Any Kind

Every year, countless pets are surrendered to shelters or rescues - not because they are unloved, but because their owners were not fully prepared for the realities of pet ownership. Understanding what to consider before bringing a pet into your home is one of the most effective ways to prevent re-homing and create a successful, lifelong relationship.

Several years ago, I decided to write a book that would cover the important aspects of pet ownership. The idea for “Top Ten Things to Know Before You Get a Pet” quickly evolved into something deeper and more meaningful. The list of things that should be considered before and after bringing home a pet fell into six distinct groups. I wasn’t quite prepared for this, but as I continued to work on this project, it became clearer that the key to creating a potentially “perfect” relationship. These six areas now form the foundation of what I call The Six Keys to Responsible Pet Ownership:

•           Commitment
•           You and Your Family
•            Financial and Living Circumstances
•           Research of the Pet
•            Locating Reliable Sources
•       Living With Your Pet

If the potential new owner seriously considers the questions that I have raised in my books, the chances of having a more rewarding experience with any pet will be much higher. Below is an overview of each key, with more in-depth articles to follow.

Commitment -  Pet ownership is a long-term commitment that lasts for the entire life of the pet. Depending on the species, this could range from just a year or two to several decades. If someone is not ready or able to make that commitment, it is far better to wait before bringing a pet home.

A full commitment includes:

• Proper housing and nutrition
• Daily physical and mental exercise
• Grooming and hygiene care
• Routine and emergency veterinary care
• Time, attention, and emotional investment

When a pet’s needs are not consistently met over time, the relationship often suffers—and this is a common pathway to surrender.

You and Your Family - Choosing a Pet That Fits Your Household It is very important to consider the temperament and personality of the main owner as well as others who may be in regular contact with the pet. This should include interests, activity levels, and free time that would be available for the pet.

Consider:

• Children, seniors, roommates, or extended family
• Physical or emotional health concerns
• Time spent at home versus away
• Activity preferences and energy levels

For example, large or high-energy dogs may not be suitable for households with small children or frail adults, while highly social pets may struggle in homes where people are rarely present. Choosing a pet that aligns with your household’s realities is essential for long-term success.

Financial and Living Circumstances –The True Cost of Pet Ownership

Financial preparedness is one of the most overlooked aspects of pet ownership. Beyond initial adoption or purchase costs, pets require ongoing expenses such as food, housing, enrichment, grooming, and veterinary care.

Unexpected medical issues can arise at any time, and without financial stability, these situations can quickly become overwhelming. In addition, pets thrive in stable environments where they feel safe and secure.

Ask yourself:

• Can I afford routine and emergency care?
• Is my housing situation stable and pet-appropriate?
• Are there restrictions related to renting or shared living spaces?

Keep in mind also that most pets prefer a steady, reliable household, where they are comfortable and feel safe. Avoid thinking that the pet will adapt to your own situation, as certain pets have very particular requirements to live and will need to have them to have a fulfilling, contented life.

Research the Right Pet for Your Lifestyle – In choosing the right pet, it is important that you combine what you have learned from the above areas with the potential pets. Carefully consider your own life, personality and situation, what type of pet you are attracted to, and which one would comfortably fit in that specific household and lifestyle.

Ask:

• Does this pet fit my activity level and schedule?
• Am I prepared for its long-term needs?
• Do I fit this pet, not just the other way around?

Avoid getting the latest and greatest type of pet because it is “popular.” Make sure that it fits you, and more importantly, that you fit it before making that final selection and bring the pet home. 

Careful research now helps prevent mismatches that often lead to

Finding Reliable and Ethical Sources – Be aware that not all sources for any type of pet is equal. In short, you want to make sure that the animals are raised in a responsible, caring environment. Look for owners who are dedicated to their pets, and treat them responsibly. It is critical to ensure that animals come from responsible, ethical environments where their physical and mental well-being is prioritized.

When possible:

• Visit the premises
• Observe living conditions and cleanliness
• Observe their temperament and reactivity
• Ask about health testing, registration, or affiliations
• Meet the parents, if applicable

 Reliable sources should be transparent, knowledge, and invested in the lifelong success of the pet - not just the transaction.

Living With Your Chosen Pet Through Every Life Stage – Living with a pet means understanding and preparing for all stages of its life. This would include the adjustment period after it joins you in your home, any adolescent stages, puberty, and maturity. And while it is very difficult to consider, there will come a time when the pet will be sent on ahead. This is a very difficult time, especially if you and your family have developed a close relationship to it. If you talk it over with your spouse or other members of the family, and a trusted veterinarian, it can be a much smoother experience. Acknowledging this reality is part of a responsible, informed pet ownership.

 Creating Lifelong Bonds Through Thoughtful Choices

When each of the Six Keys is carefully considered, pet owners are far more likely to experience a fulfilling, lasting relationship with their animals. These principles form the foundation of my books, including Before You Get a Pet and Stay Pawsitive, and directly support the mission of Slow the Shelter Flow by addressing the root causes of pet surrender before they occur.

If you would like to be notified when future blogs covering each of the Six Keys are released, I invite you to join my email list. These upcoming articles will explore each key in greater detail and include practical questions for both new and experienced pet owners.

Together, we can work toward a meaningful goal: reducing the shelter pet population and creating more stable, lifelong homes for pets. I hope you’ll join me.