1. Do you have the financial means to support a pet?
The first and biggest question when rescuing an animal should be ‘can I afford it?’ Australians spend approximately $12 billion dollars on their pets each year on everything from food to vet fees. Do a quick calculation to make sure you have some funds set aside for emergencies. It might also be worth considering pet insurance.
2. Does the pet in question have specific requirements, and can you cater to these?
Rescue animals often come from negative environments or have been neglected without a home for some time and may require a bit more love, care and attention. Some pets will be more active and require more time from you, while others might need ongoing medication or behavior management. It’s important to try and get as much background information about the pet as possible, and determine if this is something you are ready to take on and manage
3. Is this pet the right breed/animal for your lifestyle?
Do you have young children? Do you live in a house or unit? Do you work full time? Are you active and able to keep up with the pet’s needs? Choosing the wrong breed for your personal situation can result in an unhappy owner and pet. It’s really important to consider all aspects of your life, and how well the pet will fit into it.
4. Are they good with kids and other animals?
Whether you have kids or are planning to have kids in the future, it’s worth checking if the animal has had any experiences (good or bad) with children. Similarly, if you have other animals, make sure they will get along!
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