How to choose the perfect family companion
The decision to welcome an animal into your home is exciting and comes with a whole host of benefits.
A furry friend can boost your children’s cognitive development and there is a wealth of feathered, fluffy and scaled friends to choose from, each more unique than the last in personality.
Before you welcome your new addition, you need to think about your family’s needs and lifestyle requirements. Are you travelling a lot for work? Do you have small children who haven’t been exposed to animals before?
Adopting an animal instead of buying is a sustainable way to bring a new member into your family and will bring joy to you all.
Assess your family’s lifestyle
Before exploring the wonderful world of animals, you need to think about how your new companion will fit into your daily routine. Consider factors like living space, time commitments and energy levels.
For example, a high-energy dog might not be ideal for a small apartment while a goldfish probably won’t suit an active family that is often out of the house for long periods.
Young children will also influence the type of companion that best suits your household. The best animals for small kids are sociable options like hamsters, guinea pigs and chinchillas.
Understand animal temperaments and needs
Different furry friends have distinct personalities and care requirements, so you need to work out whether you’re up for the task. Start by researching different species to identify what qualities your family needs the most.
While dogs are known for their loyalty, they demand regular exercise and attention. Cats are considerably more independent and require less care but aren’t always as sociable and cuddly.
The age and temperament of your family members can guide what you’re looking for. Children may benefit from gentle, more patient companions, while teens might prefer a low-maintenance but higher-energy pal.
Prepare for the animal’s arrival
Once you’ve selected the ideal companion, it’s time to create a safe and comfortable space for your new family member. Stock up on essential items such as bedding, toys, food and water bowls.
Your animal companion will need the right nutrition and diet to thrive. Feeding hay for rabbits is crucial for their digestive health, while a meat-rich diet is crucial for carnivores like cats and dogs.
Consider allergies and health concerns
Allergies and health concerns should be a primary consideration when choosing a companion. Some people may be allergic to certain animals so doing your research before getting your new friend settled will avoid future difficulties.
In these cases, you can opt for hypoallergenic breeds of cats or dogs or something that won’t shed at all like a lizard or bird. Fur isn’t the only problem – dander may also trigger allergies you didn’t know you had.
