Before Getting Any Pet

Time and lifestyle

Consider how much time you can devote to an animal every day and whether its needs fit your lifestyle, work, living arrangements, and travel habits.

Costs and responsibility

Getting a pet is not a one-time expense. You need to consider food, equipment, veterinary care, and unexpected costs. A pet is also a long-term commitment for which you are responsible throughout its life.

Choosing the right animal

Every animal has different needs, personality traits, and care requirements. Do not choose one based only on appearance or momentary excitement. Consider whether you can provide a safe and suitable environment for that particular animal.

Getting a pet should be a considered decision made by everyone in the household. Think about everyday life with the animal, but also about situations when it becomes ill, you need to travel, or your own circumstances change. Consider whether you are prepared to adapt part of your life to the animal's needs.

The most important thing is to choose an animal for which you can provide a good and stable long-term home. If you are not sure, there is no shame in waiting. Making a responsible decision can be just as important as choosing the animal itself.

Steps, fees, and requirements when adopting a pet from a shelter

Steps to adoption

1. Pet selection and filling out an adoption application/questionnaire.
2. Initial contact, in-person visit to the shelter, and meet-and-greet/walks.
3. Home check / pre-adoption inspection (required by many rescue groups).
4. Signing the adoption agreement and bringing the pet home.

Common fees

Shelters charge an adoption fee / adoption contribution to cover medical care. Cats typically range from €20 to €80 ($30–$100), while dogs usually range from €60 to €200+ ($100–$350+).

Age and legal restrictions

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and present a valid photo ID. Minors cannot sign an adoption contract.

What else to expect

Landlord approval (if renting), agreement to mandatory spay/neuter requirements (if not done yet), and potential post-adoption follow-up visits by shelter representatives.

10 things to consider Before Getting a Dog

Time

A dog needs daily care, walks, attention, and companionship. Be prepared for a commitment that can last many years.

Lifestyle

Consider whether a dog fits your work schedule, activities, travel habits, and overall way of life.

Breed and size

Every breed has different needs, temperament, exercise requirements, grooming needs, and training demands. Don't choose a dog based on appearance alone.

Time spent alone

Think about how long the dog will normally be left alone and whether you can provide enough company and activity.

Living arrangements

Make sure your home is suitable for a dog and that you have enough space. If you rent, check the landlord's conditions regarding pets.

Costs

Consider not only food, but also vaccinations, veterinary care, equipment, insurance, and unexpected expenses.

Training and socialization

A dog needs to learn basic rules and how to behave around people, other dogs, and everyday situations. Training requires time and patience.

Care and responsibility

You will be responsible for the dog's health, safety, and well-being. Think about choosing a veterinarian, caring for the dog when it is ill, and arranging care during holidays.

Family and surroundings

Consider how the dog will fit in with children, a partner, elderly family members, or other animals. Also take your neighbors into account, particularly regarding barking.

Long-term commitment

A puppy is cute only for a short time. You need to be prepared to care for your dog in old age, during health problems, and when your own circumstances change.

Getting a dog should not be an impulsive decision. Try to realistically imagine an ordinary day with a dog – morning walks, work, exercise, care, training, and situations when the dog becomes ill or you cannot be at home. If you have a family, everyone who will be involved in caring for the dog should agree with the decision.

It is also important to choose a dog according to your circumstances, rather than based on a momentary impression. Consider its size, temperament, exercise and care requirements, as well as where you will get the dog from. A well-prepared start greatly increases the chances of a happy life together for both you and your new companion.

10 things to consider Before Getting a Cat

Time and attention

Although cats are generally more independent than dogs, they still need daily care, interaction, play, and attention.

The cat's personality

Cats can differ greatly in temperament. Some actively seek company, while others prefer to be more independent. Consider what type of cat fits your lifestyle.

Living arrangements

A cat needs a safe environment with places to rest, scratch, play, and observe its surroundings. In an apartment, it is particularly important to secure windows and balconies.

Indoor or outdoor life

Decide in advance whether the cat will live exclusively indoors or have access to the outdoors. Each option has different requirements and risks.

Financial costs

Consider food, litter, equipment, vaccinations, deworming, neutering or spaying, and regular veterinary care. A reserve for unexpected medical expenses is very important.

Veterinary care

Think about which veterinarian you will use and whether you are prepared to deal with long-term treatment or health problems as the cat gets older.

Home equipment

Before bringing a cat home, prepare a litter box, suitable litter, food and water bowls, a scratching post, a comfortable resting place, and toys. Indoor cats especially need enough stimulation for movement and natural hunting behavior.

Other animals and children

Consider how the cat will get along with other members of the household. Not every cat is comfortable with young children or other animals.

Holidays and time away

Although cats generally cope with being alone better than dogs, they still need regular care. Arrange for someone to look after the cat during holidays or longer periods away from home.

Long-term commitment

A cat can live for 15–20 years or even longer. You therefore need to consider that your own circumstances may change several times during its lifetime.

A cat is not an animal that simply takes care of itself. Although cats usually do not need to be taken for walks and can spend part of the day alone, they still need daily care, a safe environment, stimulation, and interaction. Before getting a cat, consider not only whether you want one, but also whether you can provide suitable living conditions.

Choosing the right individual cat is also important. Do not base your decision solely on appearance or breed. Consider its personality, age, and individual needs. When adopting, try to find out as much as possible about the cat's behavior and previous life. The right match between the cat and its new home is an important foundation for a long and happy relationship.

10 things to consider before getting a guinea pig, rat, or other small rodent

Social life and keeping in groups

Most small rodents (guinea pigs, rats, mice, degus) are highly social animals that suffer from loneliness. Plan to keep them at least in pairs of the same sex. Conversely, hamsters are solitary creatures and require individual housing.

Size and living space

A small animal does not mean a small cage. Guinea pigs and rats need a sufficiently large enclosure with plenty of space for movement, hideouts, and enrichment items. A large cage will take up a notable amount of room.

Lifespan

Lifespan varies significantly between species. While hamsters or mice live for 2–3 years, rats 2–3.5 years, and guinea pigs 6–8 years (degus or chinchillas can live over 10 years). Consider how long of a commitment you are willing to make.

Specialized care and veterinary costs

Rodents require specialized veterinary care (exotic/small mammal vets). Routine check-ups, tumor surgeries (common in rats), or dental corrections can become financially demanding.

Diet and nutrition

Feeding is not just buying a simple seed mix. Guinea pigs require unlimited access to high-quality hay and a daily supply of dietary Vitamin C (fresh vegetables). Rats need a varied, balanced diet rich in proteins and fresh ingredients.

Daily routine and activity

While rats and guinea pigs can be active during the day and evening, most hamsters are strictly nocturnal. If you are looking for a pet for young children to interact with during the day, a nocturnal animal won't be suitable.

Noise, odor, and cleanliness

Cages must be cleaned regularly to prevent odors. Rodents can be noisy at night (running on wheels, gnawing on bars, vocalizing), and bedding or food often ends up scattered outside the cage.

Safe free-roaming and home proofing

Rodents, especially rats and guinea pigs, need regular out-of-cage time. You must safely proof the space by hiding electrical cables, securing gaps behind furniture, and preventing access to toxic houseplants.

Allergies and other household pets

Hay (essential for guinea pigs) or bedding are common allergens. Also consider how other pets in the household (cats, dogs, ferrets) will react, as they naturally view rodents as prey.

Vacation care

Even though rodents don't need to be walked outside, they still require daily feeding, water checks, and monitoring. You need to arrange a reliable caregiver during your absence.

Getting a guinea pig, rat, or other rodent should never be viewed as an "easy or cheap alternative" to a dog or cat. Small mammals have specific space, dietary, medical, and social requirements. Before bringing one home, realistically evaluate whether you can provide appropriate living conditions for their entire life.

Selecting the right species and individual is equally important. Take into account the animal's temperament, social needs, and whether it comes from a reputable breeder or shelter. A responsible start is the best foundation for a happy and healthy relationship.

10 things to consider before getting a rabbit

Social nature and bonded pairs

Rabbits are highly social animals that live in groups in the wild. Alone, they often suffer from loneliness and frustration. The best solution is to keep them in a bonded pair (most commonly a neutered male and a spayed female).

Space and exercise

Standard store-bought cages are not big enough for rabbits. They need a large exercise pen or free-roaming setup with continuous access to a safe area. A rabbit needs to run, binky, and explore.

Lifespan

A rabbit is not a short-term pet. They typically live 8 to 12 years. Getting a rabbit is a long-term commitment similar to caring for a dog or a cat.

Specific diet and digestion

The foundation of their diet (80–90%) is unlimited high-quality hay, supplemented with fresh greens and quality pellets. A rabbit's digestive system is extremely sensitive, and any pause in eating is a life-threatening emergency.

Veterinary care and costs

Rabbits require a specialized exotic/small mammal veterinarian. They need regular vaccinations (myxomatosis and RHD), spaying/neutering is often essential for health and behavior, and medical treatments for GI or dental issues can be expensive.

Proofing your home (Rabbit-proofing)

Rabbits have a natural urge to chew. It is essential to cover or hide electrical cords, protect furniture and carpets, and block access to toxic houseplants.

Cleanliness and litter training

Most rabbits can be easily litter-trained using a suitable litter box. However, you should still expect some scattered hay and occasional droppings around their living area.

Personality and handling

Many rabbits dislike being picked up and held, as it triggers their instinct of being caught by a predator. They prefer showing affection while staying safely on the ground. They are not cuddly toys for young children.

Allergies and shedding

Hay is a mandatory part of a rabbit's diet and a very common human allergen. Rabbits also shed heavily several times a year, leading to extra fur around the house.

Vacation care

You cannot leave a rabbit alone at home for a few days with a bowl of food. They require daily fresh hay, water, greens, and health monitoring. You must secure a reliable pet sitter before traveling.

Getting a rabbit should never be an impulsive decision or a quick gift for children. Rabbits are complex pets with specific requirements for space, diet, and specialized medical care. Before bringing one home, realistically evaluate whether you are prepared to adapt your home and lifestyle for many years to come.

Choosing the right rabbit is equally important. Consider their age, temperament, and health needs. Adopting from a rescue or shelter is a wonderful option, as caretakers can match you with a rabbit whose personality fits your home. A responsible start is the foundation of a long and happy companionship.