The Sixth Key: Living With Your Pet
Bringing a pet home is just the beginning.
The Sixth Key is where everything comes together. You've done the research, made the commitment, and found the right pet from a responsible source. Now the real work — and the real reward — begins.
Living with a pet on a daily basis brings new challenges at every stage of life — infancy, adolescence, maturity, and the senior years. Unexpected events and expenses will arise. No one enters into a pet relationship knowing everything that lies ahead.
But when an owner has chosen a pet that genuinely fits their life, and approaches that relationship with knowledge and patience, the experience can be deeply fulfilling for both the person and the animal.
The reality of daily pet ownership
It's important to go in with clear eyes. Depending on the pet, ownership can involve:
- A significant daily time commitment
- Regular training and enrichment
- Consistent exercise appropriate to the species
- Ongoing cleaning and maintenance of the pet's environment
- Routine and unexpected veterinary expenses
- Behavioral challenges, especially during adolescence
- Adjustments to travel, social plans, and spontaneous activities
- Replacement of items that have been chewed, scratched, or otherwise damaged
The initial excitement of a new pet can make these realities easy to underestimate. But owners who go in prepared — and who stay engaged and hands-on — tend to develop a much deeper understanding of their pet, which makes the inevitable challenges far more manageable and the bond far stronger.
Exercise
Regular exercise is essential for virtually every pet — both physically and mentally. Even smaller animals benefit from activity and enrichment designed specifically for their species. Mental challenges can be just as tiring and beneficial as physical ones, and both help strengthen the bond between pet and owner.
Dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, and birds are commonly given structured exercise and mental challenges. Even pets less inclined to interact directly with their owners — such as reptiles and amphibians — benefit from enrichment. Placing food in locations that encourage natural hunting behaviors, and providing a habitat large enough to allow free movement, can go a long way toward keeping these animals healthy and engaged.
Environment
Every pet needs a clean, species-appropriate environment that is maintained consistently. Ideally, this is within the home where the owner and family live — making it easier for the pet to become a true part of the household. The pet should have adequate space, as well as a designated area where it can retreat and feel safe when activity levels in the home are high.
Establishing clear boundaries early — and making sure all household members understand and respect them — helps prevent confusion and behavioral issues down the road. Consistency is key.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition and access to clean water are non-negotiable. Feeding a pet correctly supports their long-term health, can reduce veterinary costs, and even influences behavior. The quality of pet food varies widely — what's available at a grocery store or pet shop is not always what's best for your animal. Take the time to learn how to read ingredient labels, and consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet's species, age, and health needs.
Pay attention to treats as well. Many contain ingredients that are unnecessary or potentially harmful, and because most pets eat the same diet over an extended period of time, even small amounts of poor-quality ingredients can accumulate and contribute to health issues, allergies, or behavioral concerns over time.
Grooming
All pets benefit from some level of grooming, though the requirements vary significantly by species. Some animals need only occasional attention, while certain dog and cat breeds require intensive, regular grooming. Regular brushing helps control shedding, prevents mats, and supports skin health — and because it involves hands-on contact, it's also one of the best ways to strengthen the human-animal bond and catch potential health issues early.
Nail trimming is another important part of routine care. When handled regularly and calmly, most pets tolerate this well. If you're uncertain about doing it yourself, your veterinarian can help — and can show you the proper technique so you feel confident over time.
Training
Most pets benefit from at least basic training to help them integrate into the home. Dogs are the most versatile learners, capable of mastering a wide range of commands and skills depending on the breed. But cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and many other animals are also highly trainable — and some have even competed successfully in agility. The key is respecting the nature of the species and keeping expectations realistic.
Training does more than teach manners — it deepens the relationship. Regular interaction and consistent guidance help the pet understand what is expected of them, which leads to a more balanced, confident animal. This is especially important during adolescence, which is one of the most common periods for owners to give up on a pet. The more time and effort invested during that stage, the better the chances of the pet remaining in its home for life.
End of life
One of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of pet ownership is preparing for the end of the pet's life. Whether through old age, illness, or accident, most owners will face this moment. It is worth thinking about before it arrives, not to dwell on it, but to be ready to handle it with grace and love.
If possible, give your pet a meaningful farewell — a special day, a favorite treat, or simply extra time and closeness. Some veterinarians offer in-home end-of-life care, allowing the pet to remain in a familiar, comfortable environment. Staying with your pet during their final moments, if you are able, provides them with the security and comfort of knowing they are loved.
Grief after losing a pet is real and valid. Support groups exist specifically for pet loss, and reaching out to others who understand that experience can be genuinely helpful. It is okay to feel pain, sorrow, and grief — and it is okay to ask for support.
Living with a pet is an adventure — one that will change your life in ways both expected and surprising. When you enter that relationship prepared, with your eyes open and your heart ready, it has every chance of being one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Why this key matters
Adolescence is one of the most common times for owners to give up on a pet — not because they stopped loving the animal, but because they weren't prepared for how challenging that stage could be. The same is true for unexpected expenses, behavioral issues, or the emotional weight of end-of-life decisions. These are not rare exceptions; they are a normal part of the journey.
Owners who go into the relationship with realistic expectations — who understand that daily life with a pet requires ongoing effort, flexibility, and commitment — are far more likely to stay the course when things get hard. The Sixth Key isn't meant to discourage anyone from getting a pet. It's meant to make sure that when challenges arise, the owner is ready to meet them.
This resource is part of It's DogGone Awesome's Six Keys to a Successful Pet Relationship — a program designed to help people make thoughtful, informed decisions before bringing a pet home.