The Best Kinds of Pets for Busy Families

Buying a pet and introducing it into your family is one of the most rewarding things that you can do. Pets make fantastic companions. Whether it is just you in the house or you have a bustling family life, a pet can make for a lifelong friend. If you have kids, husbands, wives and grandparents in your home, you may want to consider what kind of pet would fit best with your family dynamic. After all, not everyone is suited to a hamster or a dog. It’s well worth looking at how your family co-exists before introducing a furry pal.

There are some great pets that you can have in your home. You don’t have to worry about them not fitting in. If you do your research, you are sure to find a pet that the whole family will love.

But, before you embark on the journey of pet ownership, you need to consider a number of things. Make sure that you have the time for a pet. Yes, family life is busy, but if you don’t have any free time at all, now may be the best to introduce a furry friend into your home. It’s also worth noting that pet ownership is not a cheap venture by any means. Pets, insurance, vet bills, toys and food can all be expensive in the long term. So, if your finances are strapped it may be wise to not invest in a pet at the moment. What’s more, you need to consider how mature your kids are. Do make sure that you are ready for the commitment of a pet. Even a hamster can live for two years. This can be a long time if you don’t have the resources to look after it correctly.

However, don’t let these pointers deter you. There are many, many benefits to owning a pet. You need to make sure that you find an animal that is the right fit for you.

Let’s take a look at the best kinds of pets for busy, happy families.

Horses

Horses are often a dream pet for many teenage girls. Who hasn’t heard of a little girl asking for a pony or a horse? But, they are a pet that are best suited to outdoorsy families. If you like to spend your downtime, as a family, in the great outdoors a horse can be a wonderful addition to your home. It goes without saying that they can be expensive. Training, specialist medications such as Equest wormer medicines, farriers and new shoes can all run into thousands. But, if you have the time, money and resources, a horse can be an excellent addition to any home.

Think about how much time, love and care you can dedicate to your horse. If your family has a history of keeping horses, you will find that you are more prone to looking after them correctly. You need to be experienced with horses before you commit to buying one. Ensure that your kids and your spouse are happy to be around these beautiful and magnificent family pets.

Photo Credit to Baruska

Dogs

Let’s face it; dogs can be the ultimate companion in any home. Dogs are friendly, lovable and always ready to play. Who would not want to come home to their wet noses after a long day in the office? If your family likes to go on long walks, a dog could slot into your lives with ease. What is more, they make great pets for younger children. Due to the highly sociable nature of canine companions, they are the perfect addition to a busy family.

Kids will love to play ball, throw sticks and get involved in the day to day care of looking after a dog. What is more, they can provide an excellent line of defence for your home when you are not there. Dogs are renowned for making their homes their territory. What is more, when they spend time around children, they become incredibly loyal. They are a fantastic addition to any loving family. But, they do come with some costs. Dog vet bills can run into the thousands. But, as long as you have insurance you should not be out of pocket for long.

Cats

While cats have a somewhat negative reputation, they do make for a good pet. They are clean, low maintenance and they love to play. Cats don’t tend to make a great deal of mess. So, if you are the kind of person that needs cleanliness and orderliness at all times, a cat can tie in with your lifestyle. What is more, if you are more of a homebody, a cat would make for the ultimate family companion.

Cats are the best kinds of pets for families that are not so keen on getting back to nature. Often, cats clean themselves. Unless you opt for a long haired cat, you won’t have to spend a great deal of time grooming them. You should always give your cat as much love and attention as possible, but in the main they are low maintenance type of pet for those that don’t have a great deal of time on their hands.

Photo credit to Zdenet

Rodents

Rodents have been very popular for many families for years now. This is because some people are keen on having a pet that does not run around the home. One of the best things about rodents, and keeping them as pets, is that they require little maintenance, but they also are cheap to keep. Their food and dietary requirements are not complicated. As such, a big bag of rodent mix can ensure that your pet is fed cheaply for a long time.

Rodents are highly intelligent creatures. So, if you want to introduce a pet that can be played with for short bursts of time, a rodent would be best. Opt for a rat, mouse or hamster. These incredibly social pets and they love to spend time out of their cages. Don’t keep them cooped up all of the time. Do make sure that you exercise your rodents on a regular basis.

Your family deserves to be made complete. Make sure that you find the right pet that fits your needs. After all, a pet should be a welcome addition to any home, not a hindrance.