Just moved and settled into a new home and/or wanting some more company? Though many Western societies have seen changes in their social demographics and living standards, one thing has remained relatively constant: the value they place on having pets.
But when it comes to pets, which one should you choose for your home? Of course, this will highly depend on your individual factors, such as the size of your home, children, potential allergies, availability, and so on. Nonetheless, here is a guide to help you come closer to a decision for yourself.
Creatures of the sea
When talking about pets, let’s start at the most basic. Why goldfish? Because they won’t run away from home and force you put up “Lost Fish” posters around the neighbourhood, of course!
On a more serious note, fish are generally a less pricey pet to own, require much less day-to-day handling, and are easy to manage when you go away.
However, you should remember that fish are not invincible, and failure to feed, overfeeding, or not cleaning the tank properly will result in suffering and potentially dying fish. But if your children are begging for a pet and you’re lacking in space and time, fish are an excellent choice for your home.
Man’s best friend
Of course, the household pet that exceeds the goldfish in popularity is no doubt man’s best friend, the dog. Dogs are popular for an endless number of reasons, not limited to the fact that they can be trained, can protect your home, and are generally thought of as a smart animal.
However, if you have very young children, it’s wise to reconsider buying a new dog given that dogs take time to settle and may unintentionally scratch or bite your little ones. Owning a dog is also a much more intense commitment with regular meals and exercise as absolute necessities – also, don’t forget the need to dog-proof your home.
That other best friend
If you’re not fond of an over-excited dog pouncing on you every time you enter your home, consider a more placid option of the dog’s worst enemy: the cat. Common reasons for owning a cat are that they clean themselves, don’t require a daily walk, and do perfectly well in smaller spaces like apartments.
On the downside, cats are known to shed fur like crazy and thus are a poor choice for those who like to keep their floors (and clothes) spotless. Moreover, cats have gained quite a reputation for scratching and shredding their owner’s items to pieces, and thus cat scratching posts are definitely a necessary item for cat owners.
The one that ran off
Which animal was the one that ran off? The rabbit (or hare) of course! Rabbits are gaining increasingly popularity in the family home due to their many different sizes, shapes, and breeds, the relatively cheap cost of owning them, and the fact that they take up very little space in their cage.
However, rabbits aren’t as social and active as some other creatures, and you certainly can’t take them for a walk with your neighbors. Rabbits are also known for being destructive at times, whether of electrical cords, furniture, or books – not the best for a family living in an environmental community, that’s for sure! Nonetheless, with proper care, rabbits are an excellent choice of pet for your home.
The one in the corner of the room
Whether you live in the wide, open spaces of Stockland’s Mt Aitken or a tiny unit downtown, a bird is another fine choice of pet for your home. Like rabbits, birds are becoming increasingly popular as pets. Birds are intelligent, relatively easy to take care of, inexpensive to feed, and suitable for rental properties.
However, some bird species will require daily exercise, interaction, and time out of their cages. If you are someone easily frightened by the prospect of birds flying out of your control around your house, think twice about having a bird. Birds are also known to bite and thus not as suitable if you have young children. Plus, the biggest consideration is that birds can chirp – and sometimes a lot! If you want a quiet home to relax in, owning a bird may not be the right choice for you.
Priscilla Chan is a university student and freelance writer. She’s only ever owned goldfish before, but would love to have a more exciting pet one day when she’s living somewhere like the Stockland community in Mt Aitken.
