Pets rock. And that’s not only because they are funny, cunning and full of joie de vivre as well as love for their owners. Pets are also great anxiety-busters, as mentioned in our post Got Stress? Get a Pet! Before you run out to the nearest animal shelter and bring home 22 new buddies, you want to review what type of pet would work best for you and your lifestyle.
Size Matters
If you live in a small studio apartment with no yard, please don’t add a Great Dane to your household. Your pet needs to be able to fit in your home without the need to build an extension. Common sense says smaller homes do better with smaller pets. You may also have to review your tenant rules if you’re renting to see if there are any restrictions or additional fees for keeping a pet.
Money Matters
Common sense says smaller animals may cost smaller amounts of money to maintain, which may or may not be the case. Smaller animals will generally eat less than bigger ones, saving you on food bills. But dogs and cats of any size will need their regular vet visits for shots and health checkups plus additional care in case of emergency or illness.
If you’re aiming for a purebred anything, prices for purchasing the pet can also be high. Shelter fees are usually much lower than pet shops or breeders – and you get to save a life.
Pets of all types need a healthy, appropriate home environment and accessories, such as leashes, food bowls and small animal cages and bedding. Preparing a pet’s home is an investment, both with money as well as with a bit of education to learn how to best care for a particular animal. And unless you want a dog that pulls you after taxi cabs and claws his way onto the table every time dinner is served, you may want to invest in a bit of obedience or other training for certain animals.
Lifestyle and Other Matters
The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) bring up a slew of other considerations that are important when picking the perfect pet to beat your stress. These include:
- How much time you spend at home to care for and pay attention to your pet
- Other people in the household, as some pets are better with young children than others
- Other pets in the household, as some animals may look at a newcomer as a threat or prey
- Allergies – got any?
- The animal’s age, personality, assertiveness and temperament
- The animal’s appearance. Maybe you want black fur so the shedding will stay unnoticeable on all your black clothing. Or perhaps you love the long-haired look or simply can’t live without those strange-looking hairless breeds.
- What you’re looking for in a companion animal. Do you want a cuddly lap pet? A hiking partner? A low-maintenance swishy fish to simply gaze at to reduce your stress and anxiety after a dreadful day at the office?
Even though your pet is going to be your pal, the HSSPR notes that pets may enjoy an animal pal as well.
“Most pets like to have at least one ‘buddy,’” the HSSPR explains. “You might want to consider adopting a pair of adult pets that are already accustomed to and attached to each other.”
Dogs vs. Cats
The two most popular pets in the nation are dogs and cats, and with very good reason. Either one can be a great choice as long as you’re fully aware of what you’re in for.
The Puppy and Kitten Quandary
They are small, sweet and oh so adorable, but a puppy or kitten is not always the best place to start when adopting a new pet. Puppies and kittens require a lot of extra time, care and attention during their first 6 months of life, according to the HSPPR.
Dogs
Pros: Dogs are where you may get your hiking partners, swimming chums and perhaps even a pal who can come along for the ride when you’re taking a spin in efforts to overcome your driving anxiety (just don’t put him on your lap when you’re at the wheel).
Downsides of a dog versus cat can include:
- Daily walks
- Training
- Outdoor poop breaks
Cats
Pros: Cats can grace you with their independent spirits but are likely to pee in the car if you take them on a ride while battling your driving anxiety. Their anxiety at being in a vehicle may even outweigh your driving fears. Their sleekness and catty antics, however, can go a long way in the benefit category.
Cons of a cat versus dog can include:
- Cleaning the litter box
- Ignoring your calls
- Ignoring you altogether
Please keep in mind that these assessments are given only on the most general of terms. No two dogs or cats are ever exactly alike, even two that may of be of the same breed. While you can base a part of your decision on a specific breed for general characteristics, be aware that animals have as diverse a range of personalities as people. That’s a big chunk of what makes them so much fun.
Small Animals
Rodents. Don’t get thrown off by the category, as gerbils, hamsters, rats and even rabbits are in the rodent family. All of them can make terrific pets that typically require less care than dogs and cats. Cage cleaning at least once a week is recommended, as is giving your little pals plenty of exercise and play. Rabbits generally need more space than smaller animals and would be much happier with regular excursions out of the cage.
Reptiles. If you’re looking for warm and cuddly you probably don’t want to look toward snakes, lizards and other reptilian creatures. This is not to say that reptiles can’t be very exotic, interesting and downright cool, but they’re not wont to lick your hand or cuddle around you unless they mistake you for food.
We’ve covered plenty of pets to give you a general idea of what you’re getting into when adopting a new furry, fluffy or scale-covered family member. Getting a pet is not a snap decision, but one that should come after plenty of planning and consideration. Impulse pets never work out well, just ask all the baby chicks, ducklings or rabbits that end up unwanted after the big sale at Easter.
Pets are not toys or accessories, even if some folks like Paris Hilton seem to showcase them as if they were. Pets are living, breathing, fabulous beings. And all the care you put into them is well worth the joy, appreciation and unconditional love they can give back – not to mention what they can do for your driving fears, anxiety and stress!
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Photo Credit: Adam Foster | Codefor via Compfight cc
