Financial and Living Circumstances Concerning Your Pet

Secure financial and living circumstances will help maintain a stable relationship with your pet

Considering your own financial situation and living circumstances is important so that you can feel competent about bringing a pet into your home. Being aware of what potential regular costs are, such as food, basic supplies, and veterinary visits, and knowing what your own personal income and cost of living is, can be important in deciding what type of pet you may have. Also, your home environment and living situation can determine what type of pet you may have. The more stable both are, the better the chance of a beneficial relationship can be developed.

Providing a proper home for your pet is important. Consider how the pet will suit your home and household. Will the home comfortably accommodate the pet? Some pets require more space than others. Having the proper home will help to avoid issues in the future and allow the pet to thrive in the home. Be aware that some pets have legal restrictions on them, as well as any county or city restrictions on the number of pets that may be owned within their jurisdiction.

Questions to consider include:

• How secure is your employment or income?
• Are you planning on changing jobs?
• Is your income able to comfortably cover your cost of living as well as the added cost of your pet?
• Do you have pet insurance, a credit card for the pet, or a savings account that will cover emergencies that may occur?
• Will your home easily accommodate your potential pet?
• Is there any legal restrictions either with the type of pet, or the number of pets?
• If your potential pet requires special accommodations, are you able to provide it?

Having the finances and proper home that suits your potential pet can help to maintain a healthy relationship between the owner, the family and the pet.