There’s no one size fits all when it comes to picking the type of pet you want to bring home. People make their decision based on many factors like money, lifestyle, living arrangements, family, etc. What many fail to realize is that the type of pet you bring home also needs to weigh in on your considerations.
Dogs and cats usually get the most attention on top of other animals so we know a lot about them already. Therefore, in this blog we will categorically explain the pros and considerations of having aquatic animals, reptiles, birds, and small mammals as pets.
Aquatic Animals:
Advantages:
Getting an aquarium home will guarantee you the tranquility you are looking for. Looking at your fish can be soothing and relaxing. On top of that, fish require very less day to day care, no walks or grooming needed. You can get a variety of species home and it will only occupy a small dedicated space.
Considerations:
While they occupy little space, the entire set up takes some time and technical know-how. Water in the tank has to be carefully monitored and managed periodically to ensure their safety. You can interact with most pets in the same space but with fish it’s mostly a visual treat. The bonding is not nearly on the same level as other pets.
Reptiles:
Advantages:
Reptiles are cold-blooded in nature, this makes them unique and captivating as pets. Compared to other pets, they don’t need much when it comes to physical exercise, ideal for individuals with less time and space. Another uncommon benefit is that they are quieter and don’t produce nasty odors that would cause discomfort.
Considerations:
Reptiles have specific needs when it comes to their enclosure. The temperature, light, humidity needs to be monitored carefully, which can be a lot of work. Reptiles unlike mammals need little to no social interactions, in fact some reptiles don’t like being touched. They also have long lifespans which means you need to be prepared for life long commitment.
Birds:
Advantages:
Birds are intelligent creatures that are capable of forming bonds with their caretakers. They can be thorough entertainers that learn tricks, mimic sounds, and randomly chirp about during the day. We all love the light chirping of birds in the morning. Some species have longer lifespans, which means you can have a lifelong best friend.
Considerations:
On the flip side of their entertaining nature, they can sometimes get noisy too. A problem if you or your family is sensitive to loud sounds. Their upkeep can be a bit heavy since their cage needs to be cleaned regularly of fallen feathers, droppings, and scattered food. Keep these in mind when you bring them home.
Small Mammals:
Advantages:
Small mammals are capable of forming strong bonds with their caregivers, especially rabbits and guinea pigs. Raising them will incur you less expenses as compared to larger mammals, this benefits transfers into the space benefit too. They occupy a small corner of your house. Perfect if you live in a compact space. Like birds, small mammals can be taught a few fun tricks too.
Considerations:
You have to be meticulous and vigilant when it comes to building an enclosure for them and watching out for their health. Apart from their health, you have to find out if anyone you are living with is allergic to their fur or bedding materials to avoid complications later. Since many species are nocturnal, you will have to develop a resistance to the noise they create at night.
So as you can see, you can raise any kind of pet you like as long as you go in prepared with the right knowledge and tools.
Let the advantages above motivate you and the considerations make you a better pet parent. You are about to embark on a long beautiful journey, make it a memorable one.
