What To Expect When You’re Expecting (A New Pet)

With folks staying indoors more than ever before, many have noticed something missing in their lives. Pet adoption has seen a dramatic uptick during 2020 as more people find themselves with a fuzzy or feathery shaped hole in their hearts. More than half of these new dog moms and dads, in particular, are first-time owners.

Even though the companionship and cuteness they offer is reason enough, science backs up the perks of inviting pets into the fam as well. Adding a dog, cat, or other animal into your life can improve both your physical as well as mental health. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found pet owners enjoy health benefits including decreased blood pressure, decreased triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and decreased likelihood of mental health conditions like depression¹.

However, taking care of another furball can be a tall, expensive order for those new to the club. According to recent data, caring for a dog can cost up to $1,300 per year on average². That’s no small number but it’s also not a reason to stress. To help the uninitiated get a firm grasp on what their new best friend might entail, the staff at Bustle put together this crucial list of tips and considerations to help you be proactive in prepping your homes, bank accounts, and life for your cuddliest chapter yet.

Decide What’s Off Limits

Ask yourself some questions: Will your new pet be free to snooze each night in your bed with you? Or will they have their own designated nighttime cushion close by? What about couch access? It’s a good idea to think this over and have any related conversations with housemates and/or partners. Getting on the same page (even if it’s just with yourself) can help establish some healthy boundaries so you can best bond with your new bestie while acclimating the critter to the crib.

It’s okay if these boundaries shift over time. That’s normal as your relationship with your bud develops. Plus, if you’re a first-time cat owner, for example, you might relax on the idea of letting Whiskers snooze on your coffee table over time.

Plan Ahead, Money-Wise

Just like with people, the health and wellbeing of our pets costs money.

Fortunately for prospective pet-parents everywhere, CareCredit believes money shouldn’t be the reason you can’t enjoy life to the fullest with an adorable animal roommate. The trusted financial solution offers a healthcare credit card perfect for paying for doctor and vet visits as well as various wellness supplies for both you and your sweet pup (or cat or bird or bearded dragon). Not only does this credit card help you be prepared with a way to pay for care for you and your new family, it helps the whole squad maintain peace of mind during this exciting transition. And, yes: CareCredit knows your new pet is part of the family.

CareCredit is accepted at 85 percent of eligible veterinary care providers across the nation³. Keep your sweet babe healthy with regular check-ups that won’t break the bank, while also planning for the worst. No one wants to think about their now-kitten growing old and needing specialty care like personalized immunotherapy or 3D printing for future prosthetics, but CareCredit can be used for these specialty needs and helps take the guesswork and stress out of the situation. The company even makes a point of acknowledging how they are not just offering a special service but taking a responsible stance, because pet parenting is parenting.

Make Time And Plans To Connect

If you already have adoption plans in motion, hopefully you have already factored in your current and immediate-future lifestyle needs. An avid hiker may opt for an energetic puppy while your garden variety bookworm may instead opt for a laidback, senior cat. Whether that looks like planning a dog-friendly camping trip or listening to endless audiobooks while brushing all of kitty’s stray hairs, brainstorm activities you can do with your new pal to help establish a bond.

While spending time together, make a special effort to praise good behavior and try not to be too much of a disciplinarian. Also, pay attention: does your dog become visibly stressed by loud noises? Make plans to be home and with them during storms or big firework-oriented holidays. Cat always napping in sunny spaces? Research adding a cat perch to a south-facing window. Taking note of body language helps you detect patterns, get to know your best beastie better, and build trust between the two of you—which can make for maximum happiness the whole family can enjoy.

Pet ownership is not to be entered lightly: it’s a commitment for which you should plan. However, there is help and joy to be had.

This article is sponsored by CareCredit, a Synchrony solution.

¹. Kara Mayer Robinson, “How Pets Help Manage Depression,” Published on WebMD. Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD. Published on December 04, 2017.

². 2008 Survey conducted by The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).

³. CareCredit Analytics, 12/2019 with data from AVMA, “2019 Economic State of the Veterinary Profession”, 9/2019 and “U.S. Census Bureau # of Veterinary establishments”, 2017.