Are you thinking about adding a new member to the family? With so many pets, from bunnies and snakes to cats and dogs, when it comes to know how to choose the perfect pet which best suits you and your family can feel overwhelming.
There's no need to sweat your paws, though! Here’s how to pick the purr-fect match.
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet:
1. Can You Afford a Pet?
Food, vet bills, grooming and accessories; the costs add up! Plus, when budgeting, you must consider medication, emergency care or unexpected vet visits! We recommend factoring in pet insurance from dotsure.co.za, which will help protect your pet and your pocket. Check out our different plan options here.
2. How Much Space Will They Need?
If you’re considering a dog, do you have a big enough garden for them to run around in? And if it’s a cat you’re wanting to welcome home, do you have windows you can leave open for them to roam? Smaller pets such as hamsters need compact living spaces, while larger reptiles require a habitat that's the right size, in a location with a stable temperature and away from direct sunlight.
Basically, a Great Dane and a small flat with no garden don’t pair well. Consider your space and then choose the pet that best suits it. If your heart is still set on a big dog, then we suggest spending some time on Property24 first 😉.
3. Time Commitment
No matter what breed or species of animal you decide on, they all need your love and attention! Are you ready for daily walks, regular playtime or litter box duty? Some pets, especially young puppies, parrots or exotic reptiles, need more interaction than others. Consider low-maintenance pets such as cats or guinea pigs if your to-do list already bursts off the page!
4. Lifestyle Fit
Are you an active family? Consider a playful pup such as a Border Collie. Do you prefer afternoon naps in the sun? A cat or bunny could be ideal. Choose a pet that fits in with your lifestyle rather than trying to fit in with theirs.
5. Allergies Alert
Pets with fur or feathers are more likely to trigger allergies than scaly animals, such as reptiles and amphibians. If you’re always one sniff away from a sneeze attack, do some research on breeds that are less likely to set off your allergies.
Choose the Perfect Pet Insurance
No matter what pet you choose, there’s one choice that is a no-brainer: covering your new pet with dotsure.co.za, SA’s best pet insurer*. With plans for cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, bunnies and more, whichever pet you choose, we’ve got the care to match.
*Voted South Africa's Best Pet Insurance 2023/2024 by The Star, Die Burger, Beeld, and City Press.
