Should I get a pet?
Pets can bring so much joy and companionship, but they’re a long-term commitment and rely on us every day. Before you choose a pet, think carefully about your time, space, budget and experience, so you can find the right match for both of you.
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How does a pet fit your lifestyle?
Choosing the right pet isn’t just about which animal catches your eye. It’s about finding a pet whose needs you can meet — not just now, but for years to come.
If you’re asking “am I ready for a pet?”, start by thinking about what everyday life with an animal would really look like in your home. Your routine, budget, space and experience can all shape which pet may be right for you.
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Time available
How much time can you give each day? Some animals need lots of company, exercise, training or handling. Others may seem more independent, but still need daily enrichment and attention.
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Cost
Can you afford both the expected and unexpected costs? Food, bedding, equipment, insurance, vet bills, grooming, training and specialist care can all add up over a pet’s lifetime.
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Experience
Are you new to pet ownership, or have you cared for animals before? Some pets are more suitable for first-time owners, while others need more confident, experienced care.
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Space
Does your home suit the animal you’re thinking about? Some pets need secure outdoor space, large enclosures or specialist housing. Others can live indoors if their needs are fully met.
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Lifestyle
Do you have a busy and active lifestyle, or one that’s calm and quiet? Some pets are better suited to peaceful environments, while others can enjoy fast-paced, on-the-go lives.
How much time can you give a pet?
Every pet needs daily care, but the time involved can vary a lot. Certain animals may have more time-consuming and delicate needs that require closer care, attention and adaptations, such as:
- Specialist housing
- Grooming at home numerous times per week or regular appointments with groomers
- Medical needs (and the increased costs associated with them)
- Specialist knowledge (such as for exotic pets)
- Specialist vets (such as equine or exotic vets)
- Behavioural requirements that may need more support or changes to your daily routine
- Subtle body language (meaning more regular check-ups are required to identity potential illnesses, as signs of pain aren’t obvious)
However other pets may not have as many specific needs – but all animals need the proper care, environment, diet, health check-ups and companionship. Cats, for example, are largely considered to be independent animals with minimal needs, however they too need to be loved and looked after. No pet has ‘low’ needs, but some are more manageable than others.
Balancing pet ownership with work
Long hours away from home, regular travel or other caring responsibilities can make some animals harder to care for well. This doesn’t automatically rule out pet ownership, but it does mean being realistic about what you can offer each day. For office workers, pets with lower day-to-day time needs may be easier to manage, unless you have reliable support in place.
Working from home, flexible hours or shared care with other people may make it easier to offer a pet company, exercise and routine. So, if you’re wondering what pet to get if working from home, you may be able to consider animals who need more regular interaction, such as some dogs, cats or rabbits. However, if you work regularly in an office or workspace and are willing to pay for pet sitters, walkers or full livery (for horses), then these pets may still be suitable for you.
How much does having a pet cost?
The cost of a pet is more than the adoption fee. You’ll need to budget for food, bedding, housing, toys, enrichment, grooming, pet sitting (where necessary) and any training they may need. You’ll also need to plan for routine vet care, such as vaccinations, parasite treatment and check-ups, as well as unexpected illness or injury.
Registering with a vet helps you get routine advice and emergency care when your pet needs it.
Pet insurance can also help with unexpected vet bills, so it’s worth comparing cover before you bring an animal home. Insurance costs will vary depending on species.
Some animals, such as reptiles, horses, or farmed animals, can have more specific housing, diet and care costs. Check our advice and welfare pages before you commit, so you know what to expect.
When adopting a pet rather than buying one, you’re saving money. Adopted animals are neutered and vaccinated before coming home with you, having had vet and behaviour assessments carried out pre-adoption. This saves you the cost of sorting these yourself.
However, the best benefit of adoption (other than giving an animal a second chance at happiness) is the impact you have on us and our centres, freeing up space so we can continue to help other animals who need us.
Need some help
Pet cost calculator
Not sure what to budget for? Use our pet cost calculator to understand some of the everyday and long-term costs of caring for a dog or cat.
How much space does your pet need?
Different pets need different kinds of space. A dog may need room to rest, play and settle, plus safe access to outdoor areas. Cats need places to hide, climb, scratch, relax and access to an outdoor space (unless advised against by a vet or behaviourist). Rabbits and guinea pigs need to live with at least one other companion of the same species, and need large, secure accommodation with room to move and explore.
Different pets need different kinds of space. A dog may need room to rest, play and settle, plus safe access to outdoor areas. Cats need places to hide, climb, scratch, relax and access to an outdoor space (unless advised against by a vet or behaviourist). Rabbits and guinea pigs need to live with at least one other companion of the same species, and need large, secure accommodation with room to move and explore.
First time owners or experienced pet caregivers?
You don’t always need previous experience to give a rescue pet a loving home. What matters is being honest about what you can offer, open to advice and ready to learn.
Some animals may be a better fit for first-time owners, while others need more specialist knowledge or confidence. Horses, some large or high-energy dogs, reptiles and farm animals may need more experienced care. But every animal is different, which is why our teams look at the individual animal, your lifestyle, your home and your experience before making a match.
This flexible approach helps move away from blanket rules. For example, our guidance challenges myths that people can’t adopt if they live in flats, work full-time, have children or are older – instead, suitability is assessed case by case.
Are you ready to provide a home for a rescue pet?
If you feel ready to welcome a pet into your life, adoption could be a wonderful way to give an animal a new start. You can search for pets looking for homes and learn more about the process before you apply.
If now isn’t the right time to adopt, fostering may be another way to help. Foster carers give animals a safe, temporary home while they wait for adoption or the next stage of their care. Fostering can suit different homes and lifestyles, and applications are considered individually.
