If you can't do these things, please do not own a pet.
People watch some cute video about an adorable cat or dog an its owner and enjoy it so much they get an idea of actually owning one without the knowledge of the amount I work that has to go in sometimes just to take care of a pet. Animal pets can be wonderful creatures when you take great care of them, you could also end up regretting why you ever had them in the first place if you're careless and negligent to their needs. There are factors that need to be considered before making a decision to own a pet. Below are some of them:
1. Food availability: Now while this might seem like a non-issue to those who have the idea of having a pet someday, especially those who are willing to adopt cats and dogs. You don't just give them anything you eat especially when you acquire a pet from a young age, like weeks or a few month old. You can't seperate them from their mothers and end up treating them like humans by giving them the same food you eat. If you don't have the means to provide them with animal food on a regular basis, please don't acquire one for now. I once read a funny story about a dude that got a dog after acquiring some money, now him and the dog are roaming the streets looking for food together.
2. Emotional availability: Like humans, animal pets have emotions too. They get sad, mad and some even cry a bit. Be attentive to not only your pet's nutritional needs but also its emotional needs. Animals rarely have mood swings from my own experience, if they show signs of not being comfortable, it could be a sign of an illness or something else. Cuddle with them from time to time. Pat their head and rub their fur. Play with them. If you do this, they will grow to love you more and can return the emotional support too. Remember that most of these pets are seperated from their kind just to serve you as a pet, do not deprive them or your constant attention. Again, if you can't do this, I suggest you don't have a pet.
3. Hygiene: This is a serious thing to consider when it comes to owning a pet. I see stray cats and dogs with gutter marks on they bodies, walking in groups on the streets. Some of these dogs even have serious wounds inflicted on them by boys throwing objects at them, these stray animals are mostly unhygieneic and would eat anything just to survive, even dung but nobody cares, why? It is because no one owns them.
The moment you made the decision to own a pet, you have to ensure that it is always clean and hygienic. If it is a pet that isn't aquaphobic or is affected by water in anyway, do bath it at least twice a week. Remember that some animals in general, regardless of whether or not they are pets, carry diseases in them. Ensuring they are always clean not only improves their well-being but also yours.
Nana.
Very well said, I find it unacceptable when a family gets a dog, but the dog is only treated as a house guard, not as a part of the family that can be let off the leash to bond with the family. After all, why acquire a pet if they can't treat it as a living being with feelings?