Are You Ready For A Pet

Photo source: canva

At FoMA, we want to see all pets find loving homes with families that will care for them forever. 

Before you get a pet make sure you consider all of the responsibilities and the commitment necessary. Read the below and remember, if you’re unsure about making the commitment our pets deserve, it’s better to wait or to foster a pet until you are certain adding a furry best friend to your home is for you. And when bringing a pet home, always adopt. Don’t shop!

1. Are you ready to make a lifetime commitment for the life of your pet?

Dogs can live for 10-15 years, and cats can live up to 20 years! When deciding to get a pet, keep in mind that even if you move, change jobs, get married, have kids, or go through other big life changes, your pets will still need you to keep them safe and loved. Once you bring a pet home, make sure you consider their needs when making life decisions, and plan ahead! Is that something you’re ready for?

2. Are you ready for the financial responsibility?

On average, you can expect to spend around $1000 in the first year of owning a pet, if they are in good health & need only routine care. This takes into account wellness veterinary expenses, vaccinations, food & toys, collars and leashes, adoption fees, crates, and other incidentals. If you travel frequently you may need to invest in a good pet sitter or safe boarding facility, and if your pet has a medical condition or needs training you’ll want to make sure you can provide that, as well. Make sure you also consider the cost of any pet rent or additional fees you may have to pay to your landlord, if you are a renter.

If you decide now is not the time to commit to the financial requirements of pet ownership, fostering can be a great alternative until you’re ready for a pet of your own. Rescues will typically provide the medical care and supplies your foster pet needs while you provide a loving home, and shelters often need fosters to provide temporary homes to young or recovering pets. While the value and joy pets bring to our lives can’t be measured, financial considerations are necessary before bringing a pet home.

3. Do you have the time to give to a pet’s care?

Pets require and deserve our time and care. While everyone may want to have a furry friend, it’s important to consider the time and energy needed for an animal’s health and happiness. Ask yourself: do you have the time and resources to take them out for several walks daily, can you spend time playing with them & providing enrichment, are you able to feed them on a schedule and give them the love and attention they need? Do you work long hours that require you to be away from home for a large part of the day, leaving your pets unattended or having to make arrangements for dog walkers or sitters to pitch in? These are all important questions to ask yourself when considering the quality of life a pet deserves to have when you bring them home.

4. Has there been a long time interest in having a pet, and do you have experience in owning a pet?

We know that owning a pet comes with responsibilities, so it’s important you ensure this is a well-thought-out decision. Ask the hard questions: Could this just be short term interest from a cute video or photo? Have you thought about the responsibilities of bringing a pet into your family? Have you owned a pet before? Is everyone in the household committed to taking a pet into the home and making sure they are safe and loved? You need to make sure you consider all aspects of pet ownership to ensure you don’t find yourself having to abandon your pet at a shelter if “things don’t work out”. And never, ever abandon a pet on the street!

Photo source: canva

Anyone who wants to can be a good pet owner, whether or not they have previous experience. But, it’s important to consider all aspects of owning a pet before bringing a pet home .

If you’ve checked all these boxes and you feel ready to include a pet in your family, please consider adoption first. There are hundreds of lovable pets that sit in community shelters every day, waiting for their forever home & family. When you adopt you not only change their lives, you make room in the shelter for other animals who need a safe haven, or are living on the streets, with nowhere to go. Shelter pets have just as much love to give as their puppy mill counterparts. Be the difference in their story.

Visit the links below to find adoptable, lovable pets in the Miami-Dade area.

Paws4You
Humane Society of Greater Miami
Miami-Dade Animal Services