You’re an animal lover through and through, but you still don’t have a pet. You’ve been itching to adopt a pet, but you’re still on the fence about it. Here are 5 basic things that you need to consider before you decide to adopt:

1. Your motivation for having a pet: Ask yourself why you want to adopt a pet. This can be a tough one to answer, so be honest with yourself. Is it something that your other friends are doing? Do you think it’ll help your chances in the dating world? Is the pet so cute, and you just have to have him? If these are your only motivators, then pump the breaks. You may not be ready for your pet just yet. To adopt a pet, your heart needs to want a constant companion, to love something/someone else before yourself, and you need to have a great deal of patience. Caring for a pet requires personal sacrifices of time and money, as well as love. If you want a pet simply for your own benefits, then you won’t be the best pet parent that you can be.
2. Your time: Pets are sentient beings that need your time, love, and attention. If your job keeps you away from the house for 12 hours a day, then that’s not the best situation for the animal. Dogs need several bathroom breaks during the day, and all animals need proper socialization, attention, and affection in order to be happy and healthy. Leaving them alone for hours on end can make them lonely and withdrawn, and more likely to develop bad habits. Likewise, if you travel a good bit, either have a set plan in place to keep your pet cared for, or wait to adopt until your travel days are few and far between.
3. Your responsibility: This is a difficult one as well. Be honest with yourself on your responsibility level. You have to feed your pet every day and sometimes multiple times a day. You have to take time out of your day to go on walks with your dog, and you’ll need to maintain their health by going to the vet. When your pet gets sick or makes a mess, you need to clean it up. Is this something you are prepared to do? It’s a joy unlike any other to have your furry best friend live with you, but it also comes with some responsibilities. If you aren’t ready to put aside the things that you want to do for what’s best for your pet, then you need to reconsider if adoption is right for you.
4. Your financial situation: Maybe you have all the love and time in the world to give, but if you don’t have the extra money to spend, then having a pet may need to wait. Pets need food, toys, leashes, litter, vet checks, medications, and occasionally the cost of boarding them. Not to mention those unforeseen vet bills when sickness strikes or a costly operation is needed. It can be a strain to pay for these extra things if you are just starting out. Save up some extra money so that you have the buffer zone to be able to pay for the things that you and your pet will need. You will have to care for another being now, and you can’t neglect their basic needs.
5. Space: Do you have the space for the kind of pet that you are looking to get? A large dog breed needs to have more space than a cat. Make sure your living situation will accommodate your pets size and activity level. You might get a small dog, but if they have tons of energy, then they’ll need a yard to play around in. Think about what size your pet will be when it’s an adult, and not just when it’s a puppy or a kitten.

Pets bring unconditional love and joy into any home. You are going to be their sole provider, which is why it’s so important to make sure you’re ready to take on this responsibility before you bring home a floppy-eared puppy. Ask yourself these important questions before adopting to avoid putting your pet through any heartbreak if it doesn’t work out. Love your pets like how you want to be loved, and you’ll have a best friend for life.