06 Sep When Is the Right Time to Get a New Pet?
According to a survey, 45% of pet owners reported that the death of their pet was unexpected. There are many factors to consider before adopting another pet after the loss of one. If you’re unsure if you are ready to become a pet owner again here is some information to help you make a decision.
1. Take Time to Grieve
First, allow yourself to really grieve. Feeling down, mad, or lonely every once in a while is perfectly acceptable. Our pets are like family members and it can take a while to feel okay again. If you haven’t worked through your grief after losing a pet, it’s best not to take on the responsibilities of another pet right away. It’s possible you’ll attribute bad emotions to your new puppy or set impossible standards for them. Instead, hold off until you’ve processed the loss of your late pet.
2. When Your Aging Pet Is Nearing its End of Life
In certain cases, replacing an elderly or ailing pet with a younger one is a good idea. There are a few ways in which this can be useful. A young dog or cat, for starters, may breathe new life into your senior pet. It can sometimes be comforting for a pet in its final weeks and months than a new walking or playing companion. Getting a new pet before an aging or sickly pet dies can be therapeutic for the people in the household as well. Adjust your schedule to accommodate the new pet and spend the last winter of your pet’s life bonding with him or her.
3. You’re Ready to Take On the Responsibility
Take into account the responsibilities you’ll be taking on as a new pet owner. Your new pet will need time to acclimatize to its new home. You should also probably focus on training. If your prior pet was a senior, your new pet may require more activity than you are used to.
You may have gotten into a routine with your former pet’s care because you kept him or her for so long. Getting a new dog, for example, means meeting a whole new set of needs, some of which may come as a surprise. The best way to go about it is to pretend you’re acquiring a puppy for the first time.
Even if you are not ready to be a pet owner again, you can still spend some time with your favorite animals. In fact, working with animals as a volunteer can offer a great opportunity to heal without having to get another pet right away. For more information on cremation services for your beloved pets, give us a call today.