Preparing for a pet

Having a family’s support is very important in owning a pet. All family members should agree to own a pet before getting one. Having a pet without their knowledge or approval could lead to disagreement within the family, resulting in unhappiness and tension at home. This could even result in pet owners giving up their pets or worse, abandoning their pets. 

You should also be considerate of any allergies or medical conditions such as asthma that your family members may have that could be triggered by pets.

Being a pet owner is a lifelong commitment. As a responsible pet owner, you must be prepared to provide appropriate care throughout the animals’ lifetime. 

Find out the lifespan of the pet you want to get. Getting to know your potential pet’s lifespan will prepare you for the expected length of commitment.  

Lifespan of common pets 

Birds: 5 – 30 years 

Cats: 18 years 

Chinchillas: 15 years 

Dogs: 18 years 

Fish: Variable 

Gerbils: 2 – 3 years 

Guinea pigs: 8 years 

Hamsters: 2 – 3 years 

Mice: 2 years 

Rabbits: 8 – 10 years 

Terrapins: More than 20 years 

Caring for a pet can be expensive. There are many expenses that go into taking care of a pet, such as food, enclosures, toys, and other accessories. There are also necessary services that need to be paid for such as grooming and veterinary visits when you pet is sick or injured. 

Ensure that you are prepared for the expenses that can be incurred when owning a pet, including setting aside a sum of money for emergencies. Unprepared owners may become more likely to abandon or give up their pet, which is distressing for the owner and pets alike. 

In addition, owners have to obey licensing laws, which may require sterilising their pets and applying for a pet license, both of which cost money. 

It is important to choose a pet that best fits your lifestyle. Pets have different characteristics and require different levels of care. 

Dogs, for example, require ample time and attention from their owners for exercise and training. Ensure that you have enough time in your daily life to care for your pet adequately. 

Pets also require living space within your homes. Make sure you are able to give an appropriate amount of space for your pet. 

For example, small mammals, despite their size, require a large amount of space for their cage or enclosure.

You should never get a pet on impulse as a pet is lifelong commitment. Before making your choice, you should do your research on your intended pet’s characteristics and how to care for it.  

All pets have different needs. Find out as much as you can about the pet you intend to get – such as the type of housing, environment, food, exercise, and grooming it needs – before getting one. This will go a long way towards ensuring that your pet is healthy and happy. 

It is also important that you learn more about the potential inconveniences that may arise from keeping the pet you want. For example, dogs with thick coats, such as the Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute, have to be brought for regular grooming to ensure that the dog’s coat have to be does not get tangled. Groomers will also strip the dog’s coat to make it feel cooler. Long-haired or wire-haired pets also needs regular grooming, such as having their coats trimmed. Herbivores, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, need their cages cleaned every day. If the animal comes from a temperate climate, Singapore's warm weather might not be suitable for it. A cool environment needs to be provided at all times and may entail having the air-conditioner or fan on frequently. 

In addition, responsible pet owners must be considerate to others ensure their pets do not disturb other people such as their neighbours. To maintain the environment’s cleanliness, they should also clean up after their pets in public places.