In the wake of the initial COVID-19 panic, the world is quickly scrambling to make sense of this “new normal” we are living in. One of the most positive movements that are taking off is the “adopt a pet” cause. There are so many good reasons to bring a furry friend home, particularly during these trying times. Pets mean unconditional love and companionship, a crucial factor if you are living alone.
Pets are also a good reason to get out of the house and move around a little. Pets are frequently used for emotional therapy and for help with anxiety or depression, too. And with schools canceled, many parents are turning to furry friends to help their kids cope with the situation.
Whether you are stuck in the house because of local restrictions, are self-quarantining because of a compromised immune system, or the lack of contact due to social distancing is just getting you down, adopting a pet is a great solution for many people. Here are a few things you need to know before you jump on the puppy bandwagon.
Step #1: Get Pet Insurance
You’re adopting a puppy (or a kitten, or a rabbit, or…). Yay! You must be excited, and you’re anxious to do things right. So, what’s the first step? Not to be too drab when you’re fired up about your newest fluffy friend, but pet insurance is really the smartest first step you can take.
Pet insurance ensures that your animal is cared for, no matter what happens. Veterinary costs can be expensive if you have to pay out of pocket. Pet insurance allows you to pay significantly less for each visit and procedure, so you can focus on getting your pet all of the care they need (and not on how much it'll cost). Plus, pet insurance gives you more treatment options, alternative medicines, and even behavioral therapy in many cases.
Step #2: Get supplies
Let’s start with the fun stuff. It's time to stock your home for your new friend. Focus on the basics like a collar, comfortable bed, and water and food bowls. And don't forget the extras. If you have kids, it's nice to let them pick out a few toys or treats that they can use while getting to know their new family member.
Grooming supplies like combs, brushes, shampoos, and the like are also important. Don’t forget kitty litter and a box if you’re taking in a kitten or cat. And especially if you are adopting a new puppy, have plenty of training pads and cleaning supplies on hand for the early stages of training.
Step #3: Visit the vet
You’ll want to make sure the pet is caught up on all their shots, is healthy, and doesn’t have any unnoticed problems. So, take the animal to a vet immediately. This is another reason you’ll want to have pet insurance right away because even that initial consultation can get expensive without coverage.
Step #4: Prepare her new home
Before you bring your new pal home, make sure the house is ready for its newest member. This means a few things. Make sure your home is a safe place for your new friend. Take a tour around the house and see if there are any hazards that you want to remove. Exposed wires, choking hazards, and hanging objects that a curious critter can pull down on themselves should be put away safely.
Step #5: Give them their personal space
While most pets love to cuddle, run around, and play with their pet parents, everyone needs a little alone time now and again. So, make sure you have a small space set aside for your new pet. It doesn't have to be anything grand; a small blanket tucked in a corner is usually just the thing a new pup or cat will be looking for when they need some space for themselves.And make sure to stock your home with plenty of toys for you and your pet to enjoy together.
Step #5: Show them around
The big moment has arrived. You’re ready to bring your cuddly friend home. Hurray! This is an important stage for your new pet, so help them make the transition happily and without stress. Show your pet pal around their new home. Take them on a tour of the house. Let them sniff around. Show them their bed, food bowl, and other belongings. You can slowly introduce areas that are off-limits with a firm but gentle "no."
Step #6: Explore the yard on a leash
When you show your new pet the outdoor area of your home, it’s a good idea to keep them on a leash for the first few times. This way, they don’t get confused or distracted and bolt. Let them have time to sniff and run around. Enjoy this fun experience.
Step #7: Meet the family
This is the most exciting part. But it can quickly get overwhelming. Introduce new family members one at a time and slowly. Don’t run up to the animal, make loud noises, or other sudden, alarming movements or gestures. The same goes for other pets you want to introduce. Slow and steady wins the race.
