Having doubts about adopting a pet?
Having a pet can be challenging, and the experience can bring a more significant change than you expected. It’s normal — especially for first-timers — to feel a bit overwhelmed. If you’re questioning your decision or wondering how to cope with feelings of anxiety, regret, or guilt, please understand that these feelings are quite common and they almost always pass with a bit of time. If at any time, though, you feel that you cannot meet the basic needs of your pet or that you are a danger to your pet, please seek the help of a veterinarian or local, trusted animal welfare organization.
Naturally, there’s a transition period that you, your family, and your new pet will go through. This involves adjusting your schedule to meet the physical and emotional needs of your pet, including demands on your time and attention. There’s also the anxiety a pet feels as they adapt to a new environment and new relationships with two-legged and four-legged family members.
Whatever the challenges, they are usually temporary or will naturally become a tolerable — and even enjoyable — part of your everyday life as you and your pet adjust to one another.
If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.
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