Rookie pet owners tend to view their future with a pet in one of two ways: with rose-colored glasses, thinking that everything will go smoothly for the most part, or with their guard already up about how difficult their lives will be when a new pet comes into the picture.
In reality, life with a pet is somewhere in between. There will be numerous moments when pet parenthood will seem harder than one initially thought, and a pet owner may even question their decision to get a pet amidst all the growing pains. Conversely, there will be a wealth of moments in which pet parenting is actually less worrisome or exhausting than expected. Throughout the initial difficulties, a pet parent will learn to find solace and support in their families and friend groups, their network of fellow pet owners and pet care providers, and the pets themselves.
If it will be your first time owning a dog or a cat, it’s important to temper your expectations and to know exactly what it is you’re getting into. Below are five misconceptions about life with pets, plus the truth about the experience.
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1. Your Love for Animals Is Enough Reason for You to Get a Pet
First, while there are many animal lovers in the world, not all of them are ready to become pet owners. Being a pet owner requires commitment and responsibility, and once you become a pet parent, you’re expected to show up every day for your pet—not just on the days that it’s easy or the days that you feel like it.
That said, remember that your fondness for cats or dogs won’t be enough on its own to sustain an animal’s life. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that that alone is a good reason to get a pet. Only consider becoming a pet owner if you can guarantee time, resources, and mental and emotional readiness as well as love.
2. You Can Expect All Your Pets to Have the Same Basic Needs
Another mistake that new pet parents often make is assuming that all pets will have the same basic needs. While it’s true that animals have needs in common—namely food, water, shelter, and access to medical assistance, among others—what constitutes a healthy and satisfying life depends on the pet.
Take the example of pet beds. If you end up becoming a pet parent to a big dog, it would be better to spend on merchandise like PrideBites’ jumbo stuffed custom dog beds than small beds that they’ll quickly grow out of. Your monthly expenditures for things like pet food, gear, grooming, and vet visits will look different from another pet owner’s as well as across your pet ownership journey if you decide to get another pet down the line.
3. Your Progress with Animal Training Will Be Linear
Training is another thing that pet parents to dogs or cats will always have on their minds. Because training can sometimes be difficult, it’s easy to ride on the initial high of achieving a pet’s first milestones, like when they conquer toilet training.
However, it’s important to remember that a pet’s training journey will not always be linear—and it can’t always be expected to progress upwards. Sometimes it will be hard to get a pet to obey you, even after it seems like they’ve already mastered lots of tricks or commands of the same difficulty. Knowing that, prepare to be extra observant of your pet’s training journey and to exercise lots of patience with your pet.
4. Your Pets Will Be Naughty or Difficult on Purpose
If you’ve never owned a pet before, you may initially make the mistake of anthropomorphizing them or projecting human emotions and behaviors that don’t necessarily apply to them. The tendency to anthropomorphize is behind beliefs like dogs or cats feeling guilty when they’re being scolded or the same animals displaying aggression because they have it out for their owners.
In truth, while dogs and cats have unique dispositions and are definitely capable of perceiving and expressing emotion, they don’t behave in ways or feel things exactly like humans do. That means that they also shouldn’t be punished or projected upon for having natures very different from those of humans.
In addition, fearful or aggressive responses that are mistakenly ascribed to human emotions like guilt may stem from a pet’s history, such as their trauma before their adoption, for example. As a pet owner, make it a point to learn more about animal behavior from trained experts—and to respond both knowledgeably and compassionately to your pet, especially in difficult situations.
5. It Will Be Hard to Find the Pet Care Services You Need
Lastly, pet care can often feel overwhelming to first-time pet owners. If you’re the latter, you may find yourself panicking about having to regularly feed your pet, clean up their messes, make sure they get enough exercise, and find someone to watch over them when you’re at work or out traveling.
Luckily, you’ll find a lot of support in today’s evolving pet community. It’s now easier than ever before to book pet walking, pet-sitting, and pet daycare services as well as house cleaning services for households with pets. These are good for reminding you that you’re not alone in wanting a good life for your pet. Remember: there are lots of professionals whose life’s work is to make things easier and more fulfilling for both pets and pet owners.
In Conclusion
Living with a pet won’t be easy, and it will never always be exactly how one expects. However, if you’re physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to own a pet, the journey will be worth it—and the decision to become a pet parent may be one of the best life choices you’ll ever make.
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