Could now be a good time to get a new pet?

Pets are a perfect companion to anyone during this challenging period. Pets provide unconditional love, physical comfort, and having a pet around can even improve your mental health. A dog will get you out and about walking (remember to practice social distancing even when you walk your dog). Cats are great companions and are perfect for helping keep you company while you are working from home or watching Netflix! Pocket pets and chickens also make excellent pets, especially if you have kids.

With many people likely to be home more over the next few months, this time could be an ideal time to get a new pet. The time can be helpful in getting a new pet settled into your family. You can also put some effort into training pets that have never learned good manners!

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you consider adding a new furry member to your family:

1. When you return to ‘normal’ work after the COVID-19 crisis has resolved, will you have the time to care for the pet? Will you be able to walk a dog daily? Will your new pet need to be left on their own for extended periods? Will this be fair on the pet?
2. Do you have the financial capacity to care for a new pet and provide the pet with appropriate healthcare, including vaccinations, parasite control, proper nutrition and grooming? Can you afford to desex a new pet or provide veterinary care if the pet is unwell?
3. If you are thinking about a puppy or a kitten from a breeder, perhaps think about adopting a pet instead. Shelters have reported a rise in the number of pets that are being put up for adoption due to the economic downturn and, sadly, this may get worse over the next few months. We recommend you call ahead (rather than just turning up) as many shelters have new rules in place in light of COVID-19.

These are all important considerations, as the last thing we want after this period is an influx of abandoned pets in shelters.

Remember that there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19.

If you would like to discuss taking on a new pet, please call us, we are happy to answer any questions you might have over the phone.