If you are anything like me, when you see a cute animal, you want one of your own. Be it a person walking a dog on the side of the street you're driving on, to a cat you see sunbathing in a window, you die of cute aggression. But, there are a few things that you need to have before actually getting one.
1. Location
You need to make sure that you have your own place where you call the shots. If you have roommates, they might not want them in the house. They could be allergic or be a scrooge and refuse to allow a cute furry friend into the house. Also, you need to make sure that pets are allowed where you are living. You might no be allowed to have a certain pet. Your location is key.
2. Room
Depending on the kind of animal, you may need to have more room for them. For example, Huskies need to be able to run all the time. If you don't have a yard, then you probably shouldn't get one. Or if you have a cat, but you are restricted to only parts of the house because of roommates or something, then you should get a cat. You don't want to lock up certain animals. It's just not humane.
3. Schedule
You need to be able to go home to feed them, water them, walk them, let them out, love them, etc. Having pets are like having children. You need to be there to raise them and pay attention to them. You have to have a schedule that allows you to go home everyday at normal times.
4. Money
Pets are expensive. Even if you adopt or rescue, there are a lot of things that you have to pay for. You have to get them to the Veterinarian's office and pay for whatever they need done. You have to go to the store to get them food. That also doesn't mean to go to the store and pick the cheapest food. It has to be good for them, which can get expensive. Not to mention toys and treats.
5. Patience
Just like kids, you have to "parent" your pet. They do not come to you trained. They have to be potty trained, taught not to bite, when to eat, etc. If you have a puppy, and they end up chewing up your favorite shoes, you cannot get belligerent at them, which can call for having patience. You have to discipline them but not in a abusive way.
So, even though you might want that really cute corgi playing in the yard next to your house, or the cat that your friend always snaps videos of on their story, you need to remember that there are some things you need first. Don't worry though, if you really want one, you'll get there.
