Dollar-Stretching Tips for First-Time Pet Owners

Image via Pexels

Dollar-Stretching Tips for First-Time Pet Owners

Are you thinking of making an addition to your family in the way of a furry, feathered, or scaly friend? While it might be tempting to bring home the first wagging tail you see, it’s important to make a good fit so both you and your new pet are happy. TLC Pet Transport, Inc. invites you to read on for advice on how to select the right kind of companion, prepare your home, and save money along the way.

Fur, feathers, or something else?

Contemplate what your lifestyle looks like when deciding on a pet. For instance, if you travel frequently, you will either want a pet that can join you, or you should plan to hire a trustworthy pet sitter. Also think about things like how much space you have, whether anyone in your home has allergies, and how much time you have for your pet. Once you settle on a species, think about different breeds and what their attributes are in order to make a good match.

You can take a quiz to help you sort things out, and when it comes time to select your new companion, consider an adoption. You can save money because the animals are normally up to date on vet care, and they often have basic training, plus you’ll be giving a pet in need a forever home. Most types of pets are available for adoption, even purebreds, and you can search websites like PetFinder to find your perfect match. 

Save on pet basics

Whatever species you decide on, it’s important that you’ve invested in some essentials before your new friend’s arrival. For instance, litter boxes, collars, and bowls will go a long way toward making your new pet comfortable, as will the right bed. If you’re looking for a cat bed, explore the many models available, including cave, perched, and self-warming versions. You need to consider your pet’s diet as well. For instance, if your pup is on the heavy side, a high-fiber food can help manage his weight.

To simplify your search and save some dollars, consider making your purchases online from a retailer that offers a wide variety of pet supplies, such as Amazon or eBay. The convenience factor is a major plus (you can order from the couch and have it delivered to your doorstep), and if you play your cards right, you can save big.

Settling in at home

Most pets require at least a few days to get acclimated to a new home, and as Lucky Puppy points out, if your new family member came from a rescue or shelter situation, settling in might take a bit longer. Avoid doing anything overwhelming like inviting the neighbors and your extended family over to meet him, and be patient as he takes time to learn the new routine. 

Note that sometimes animals that experienced rehoming could have separation anxiety, especially dogs. The Humane Society suggests certain training methods to help your dog cope with separation anxiety, and you can also purchase products designed to help your pooch through the transition from retailers like Chewy. Not only does Chewy have a great selection of affordable stress- and anxiety-reducing products for dogs, they offer free shipping when you spend $49 or more.

However, if you’re working from home, you want to ensure that your home office is safe for your pet to visit. Make sure you secure any electrical wires that could harm your pet if they chew on them. Also, keep in mind small, unsecured items are enticing to animals, so don’t leave anything around they could easily swallow and choke on.

Activities and entertainment

Depending on what kind of pet you choose, there are a number of things you can do together.  While some pets are more limited in certain respects, like fish, some statistics indicate many pet owners enjoy observing their animals and sharing about their pets on social media. Be sure to use an image size converter to right-size your adorable pics before posting to Instagram or Facebook. The last thing you want is to have a distorted image on your profile.

Many animals enjoy playing with toys and learning games, which is a fun way for you and your new friend to learn more about each other. There are games for cats, ferrets, and birds, toys for pet fish, and even iguanas can be trained and will bond with their owners. However, when it comes to housepets that are active with their owners, few can compare to dogs. You can cuddle on the couch, engage in sports, visit dog parks, go for walks, play games, and of course, play with toys. Stores like Petsmart have plenty to pick from, and by shopping their sales you can fill Fido’s toy box without overspending.

Pet ownership is a rewarding experience. By making a great match, you can ensure happiness for you and your pet for years to come, and thrifty shopping means having more money to spend on your pet. Thanks to your good choices, you and your new companion will be the best of friends in no time!

This article is brought to you by TLC Pet Transport, Inc., where our Nationwide Pet Transporting Services and our personnel are dedicated to providing the safest and most reliable Pet Transportation for your beloved family pets Nationwide. I encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding any aspect of our Nationwide Pet Transporting Services and any suggestions as to how we can best meet your needs.

Article written by Jessica Brody