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Are You Ready for Fido?
How to Decide if Your Family Can Care for a Pet
While we don’t know exactly why humans keep pets, one fact is certain: Millions of people love them. In fact, nearly 70 percent of households in the U.S. have a pet. But no matter what you see on your favorite dog Instagram accounts, keeping a pet isn’t endless playtime. Ask yourself the following questions before buying or adopting a furry companion.
3 Inspections to PerformThis Season
DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO?
As we welcome spring, a lot of people turn their attention to spring-cleaning. It’s a time to dust and declutter. But there are areas of the home and garage that don’t receive that same treatment. So as you clean and organize this year, as millions do every year, be sure to include these steps in your routine.
Owning a pet can change your lifestyle. To start, you will have to consider the animal’s well-being when hosting events or taking vacations. You will also have to make room in your budget for pet-related expenses. Additionally, some animals can live for upward of two decades. Discuss how responsibilities will change as a pet ages and what your future will look like before making the commitment.
Check Your Outlets
DOES AN ANIMAL FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE?
Given all the electronic gadgets we seem to have these days, it’s very easy to overload outlets. Check to see if there is anything you can unplug and store. Get rid of cords you are no longer using. You also should go through every outlet in your home to make sure they are operating normally. This helps prevent fire and electrical hazards and ensures you have a working outlet when you need it most.
When choosing a pet for your family, gather research from animal experts and other pet owners. Calculate the cost of owning a pet, and evaluate how that animal will fit into your lifestyle. For example, dogs are one of the most high-maintenance and expensive animals to own, but they tend to be more involved in family life than a cat or a hamster. That said, your home’s size and location may make it better suited for a smaller pet, as many larger animals require more square footage and plenty of outdoor space.
Check Your Air Conditioner
It’s always good to check your A/C before you really can’t live without it. Make sure it’s working and performing well. Replace any air filters, and clear dust and debris. If you suspect it does need service, you’ll need to get your A/C checked out before service experts are overwhelmed with calls in the coming months.
IS YOUR FAMILY READY?
Every family is different, and it’s important to have an honest discussion about the implications of owning a pet. If you have kids, consider how much they will be able to contribute to such a responsibility. Another factor to consider is how much free time you have to spend with your pet; some animals require more attention than others. To avoid major conflict down the road, discuss care and responsibility plans as a family before welcoming an animal into your home. Keeping a pet can be a source of joy for your family, but it can also be a source of stress. Before making any major choice, talk to your family members and consider what owning a pet would mean for all of you.
Check Your Vehicles
Spring is a great time to make sure your cars and trucks are in working order. Is your vehicle due for an oil change? Have you noticed you aren’t getting the same gas mileage you once did? Do the brakes feel rough? Getting these things checked can save you a major headache down the road. It’s also a great time to review your insurance policy and make sure you actually have the coverage you think you do. If you aren’t sure or have questions, be sure to ask. Have your agent or insurance specialist review your policy with you. That way, you’re all on the same page if you need to call regarding that insurance in the future.
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