For those who want a pet, animals can seem as unique as humans. With all the differences in basic needs and temperament, it can be difficult to figure out which companion animal would make the most sense for you and your home.
Whether you’re preparing for a first pet or for adding another into your life, this guide will help you get started:
The main thing to consider when choosing a pet is your current lifestyle. For instance, if you work full time or spend most of every day out of the house, highly co-dependent animals like dogs might not be a good fit.
When thinking about household pets, consider their size, lifespan, exercise requirements and common temperament. Similar to when finding a human roommate, it’s important to be compatible with your pet.
You might be ready to make your choice based on your lifestyle, but what about your home environment? There are steps you can take to prepare your living space for a new animal resident, starting with a deep clean. Organize and remove clutter, and consider relocating any fragile decor.
Small pets like guinea pigs and pet birds will require a dedicated enclosure in your home. Make sure to set up any cages, hutches or terrariums before bringing home the animal, so you have somewhere safe and comfortable for them to go right away.
The process of introducing a new pet into your home varies based on a variety of factors. Things like the number of people you live with, presence of other pets and intensity of external stimuli all can have an effect on your new pet. Be patient and take the introduction process slowly to not overwhelm your new friend or your housemates.
Adopting a pet is a long-term commitment. Some of the most common pets - cats and dogs - have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Other animals like large birds or reptiles can live multiple decades with the right care. This is crucial for pet owners to consider when adding a new animal into their lives, as the pet you choose will be a significant part of your life.
Every situation is different, but these basic tips should help guide your decision. Choosing the perfect pet for your home and lifestyle isn’t an exact science, but following best practices for preparation will ensure happy cohabitation.
Meet Kimberly Jokela:
With a genuine passion in people Kimberly loves helping her clients make their real estate dreams or needs come to life! Specializing in Luxury, Vacation, Retirement or Investment properties.
Born and raised in the midwest in a family with a strong work ethic, filled with creativity & dedication.
Her determination lead her to attend college at the "Philadelphia Performing Arts" where she had the opportunity to follow her passion in the Arts & to travel. Living in California with her husband Rick for 15 years together they built a successful business. After the birth of her beautiful daughter Brittany, seeking a "small town” coastal lifestyle, they took a trip to Naples Florida & fell in love with all it has to offer and made the jump!
With now over 17 years experience as a licensed Realtor serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero & Fort Myers.
A great listener, negotiator & connector, Kimberly is dedicated to helping her clients looking to BUY their ideal Florida property!
Her warm & friendly personality is present in everything she does on her clients behalf!
Kimberly’s creativity & "out of the box" thinking gives her clients the extra leverage they need when SELLING a property.
Her well organized marketing includes professionally produced photography, video, drone imagery, media presentation in print, numerous online websites & social media!