In March of 2020, the national rescue dog adoption rate was a stunning 58%. By the end of that same month, adoption rates soared to 85%! It’s no surprise that couples and singles alike are flocking to shelters and adoption events. Pets are downright good for our health. They make us happier, get us out and about, and are the best listeners around. Who doesn’t get puppy fever every now and again?
Read: How Pet’s Get You Through Tough Times and Five Reasons Why Animal Lovers Make Better Partners
It’s true that pets improve relationships more than non-pet couples. Owning a pet helps with communication, teamwork, and pets make everyone happier! But this perfect fur family harmony doesn’t come easily. Before you and your partner adopt, consider everything you and your pet need for a happy life.
Financial responsibility
What price would you pay for unconditional love and snuggles? If you and your partner are not ready to invest upwards of $1,200 a year on your furry family member, then it might be best to wait until you are both financially ready for a pet. This cost varies depending on the food you choose, grooming needs, veterinary bills, and travel needs (ex. for dog walkers or boarding). It may not always be this grand, but you should be prepared for this kind of annual pet-owning budget ahead of time.
Communication
New pet parents have lots to talk about. In addition to who is scooping the litterbox and why their poop looks weird today, couples will decide on what food is best for their pet, a feeding and exercise schedule, who will care for your pet when you are away, and if your pet really needs that one-of-a-kind heated luxury bed.
Rules will need to be established, and each person in the relationship should respect and abide by them. When one partner wants to share the bed with your new pet and the other doesn’t, your communication and compromising skills will be put to the test!
If you debate about who does the dishes each night or haven’t discussed what your future together looks like, you may have a few more conversations ahead of you before adopting a furry companion together.
Although not always easy, these decision-making conversations will show you where your communication skills need improvement and give you and your partner a chance to strengthen them.
Lifestyle
OK, so you have the funds and the communication skills. Now it’s time to consider your lifestyle and a pet that is compatible with this lifestyle. In my book “Leashes and Lovers,” I created lifestyle categories to consider when choosing a pet. Are you seeking an active, compassionate, or calm pet? If your pet’s energy level doesn’t match yours or your free time, you nor your pet are going to be happy. While all pets require exercise, their needs vary greatly.
For comparison, cats snooze for an average of 16 hours a day while an adult husky requires about two hours of high-intensity exercise a day! If you or your partner work from home, consider the impact a pet may have on your work schedules.
Is your relationship ready?
If you and your partner have checked all of the boxes and know what pet is right for your lives, congratulations on joining the 38.4 million dog owners and 25.4 million cat owners! And if you and your partner are not quite there yet, that’s OK. Adopting a pet is no small step. With time, you and your partner will build a relationship that has room for one (or more!) furry companions.
