Pets can be messy creatures, but in my time working with Burnaby real estate, I can see firsthand that they can also bring a lot of joy to a family. They are a lot of work, and not to mention the time and cost it takes to keep them. While many people with pets seem to live happy lives, they can also create quite the hassle for some. Keeping all of this in mind, is a pet really worth the extra effort? Here are some points to think about when making your decision.

5 Questions to ask yourself when considering a pet

Consider your lifestyle

Do you work from home or at an office? Do you have a steady working schedule, or a volatile one? A pet, such as a cat or dog, requires a lot of attention. They have to be cleaned and loved. Ask yourself, does your current lifestyle fit with the respsonsinilities of owning a pet.

Decide what kind of pet

Some pets need more care than others. For instance, a dog will definitely require multiple visits to the bathroom per a day, while cats can easily find their litterboxes on their own. If you are seriously considering a pet, get one that will match your lifestyle. Another thing to consider is how much space a pet will take up.

Set up a trial period

If you're thinking of getting a dog, try borrowing your friend's dog and taking care of it for a couple days. This will not only get you used to the idea of having a dog, it will also be a good way to see if you can manage having one.

Estimate the costs

Remember that pets are an added expense. Calculate how much money and time you would need to set aside for your pet and include this is in your budget. If it's a lot more than you bargained for, perhaps you are not ready for a pet yet. Always consider contigency costs for vet bills and unexpected ailments.

Discuss responsibilities  

If you live with a partner or have kids, you have to talk about who will be in charge of taking care of the pet. It is good to split the responsibilities of feeding, grooming and walking the pet so you won't get overwhelmed. A house pet is a shared responsibility, and should be treated as such.

We hope that these questions can help you and your family make the right decision. For more information on our current Burnaby listings or for selling and buying advice please contact me.