Thinking about getting a pet this spring? Read this first

As spring ushers in warmer weather and a dwindling supply of school days, we start to think of new possibilities. Vacations. Fun outdoor activities. And for some people… getting a pet.

It makes sense. As school winds down and kids have more time on their hands, the idea of taking a pet on a walk, playing in the park, or doing outside pet chores seems a lot less daunting. But even so, getting a pet is a long-term commitment that can permanently change your schedule, and possibly the state of your floors.

If you’re a first time pet owner and ready for a bit of work and some extra responsibility, a loving pet can be incredibly rewarding and become an irreplaceable part of your life. Getting the right pet setup and pet supplies right out of the gate is a crucial part of preparing for a pet this spring. Here are a few important things to consider as you weigh the decision to bring home a new fur-ever friend.

Why spring is a popular season for getting a pet

With summer right around the corner, spring brings flexibility for many families. This kind of freedom is essential for potty training a puppy, cleaning out a lizard habitat, or creating the right setup to keep a new kitten’s life interesting. With school winding down and cold evenings ending, pet care just got a lot easier.

Spring is also a time for fresh starts. Spring activities like gardening, spring cleaning, and home reorganizing make everything feel new. Maybe “new” for you involves paws, whiskers, cuddles, and a penchant for some relatively harmless mischief.

Even though the timing feels good, you still need a thorough plan. When making a decision about what kind of pet to adopt, it’s important to take a step back and consider how an animal will fit into your real life, not your ideal life. A high-energy puppy may sound fun in theory, but if you look at your calendar and see soccer games, playdates, and work trips, you might think about getting a lower-maintenance pet instead.

Questions to ask before bringing a pet home

Before you bring a new pet home, take a hard look at your day-to-day reality. Keep in mind that pets need attention every single day, and ignoring them can negatively affect their health, mental state, or overall well-being. Feeding, cleaning, vet visits, and socialization all require time and are key to helping pets feel secure in a new place.

Some critical questions to ask to determine if you have the time to properly care for a pet are: What will you do with the pet during the day? Does it need someone to be home to take care of it? Will you need to leave work to check on it? Who’s going to wake up with a pet that needs attention at night? Who will do cleanup, and if the pet needs outside time, who will facilitate this?

Next, look at the costs associated with owning a pet. Do you have room in your budget for pet food, grooming, vaccinations, licensing, training, and vet bills? Even small pets need supplies such as bedding, habitat cleaning supplies, or specialty lights.

Then, take inventory of the space in your home. Some pets need yards, some need tanks, and some need a quiet corner. Do you have an environment in which your pet will thrive? Some pets need more stimulation than others. Have you accounted for that?

Finally, evaluate your personal experience with pets. If you’re a first time pet owner, you should think about a lower-maintenance pet or breed instead of one that requires big-time knowledge.

Pet supplies to get ready ahead of time

Preparing for a pet is more than picking a name and a couple of treats. There are basics you’ll want in place the moment your new pet arrives to make the transition as comfortable as possible.

The list can include:

• A pet carrier

• Food and water bowls

• Bedding and blankets

• Leashes, collars, and harnesses

• A litter box and scoop

• Aquariums and accessories

• Small animal cages or habitats

• Toys, scratching posts, or chew toys

• Gates

• Basic training tools

Many of these pet supplies are available secondhand on KSL Classifieds at affordable prices. It’s always good to save money on pet supplies, considering the ongoing expense of food. Items that your pet outgrows, like a pet carrier, can be resold on KSL Classifieds to alleviate pet costs even further. Buying local through KSL makes it easy to find pet supplies in your community, which means less wasted gas running around and more chances to reuse items with plenty of life left in them. It’s better for the planet and for your wallet.

Browsing pets available near you

If you’ve thought through the commitment of pet care, it’s time to pull up the KSL Classifieds app armed with knowledge and a clear head about what kind of pet will thrive in your family. KSL Classifieds connects you with local pet listings and also includes adoptable pets from shelters through its partnership with Petfinder.

KSL’s local focus makes the search feel less overwhelming. You can specify the distance from your home you want to search and adjust search filters to find exactly what you’re looking for. While searching through listings, pay attention to the pet’s age, temperament, needs, and health information to make sure they line up with what you’re looking for. A cute picture will stand out, as it should. Just make sure the rest of the details match your needs too.

Browse pets available near you

Preparing to bring a pet home

Pets can chew, dig, steal food, and be hard on carpets and furniture. Taking the time to go through your living space and pet-proof potential problem spots can pay dividends. Look for cords, houseplants, and loose items that might tempt a pet, and make sure they are secure and out of reach.

Pets also like to eat and rest. Set up a permanent area for them to eat and sleep, complete with any bedding or enclosures. For some animals, you’ll need to think through where t[he;y will go potty and how to introduce them to this space.

If you have kids, make sure you talk through responsibilities and expectations ahead of time. Introducing a pet to a new space can be scary for them, and even though it’s exciting, kids should be able to stay calm and gentle while the new pet gets used to the territory. Setting a calm tone early sets your home up for success.

Find pet supplies on KSL Classifieds

Getting off to a good start makes a big difference

So while springtime can be an ideal time to get a new pet, the warm weather and good vibes alone aren’t going to guarantee success. Make sure you are being realistic, planning ahead, and preparing to integrate a new pet into your home. A good start will help you and your family fall in love that much quicker and make for a better pet experience.

KSL Classifieds can make your preparation easier and let you browse pets and pet supplies locally. For those who know what they need, it can be the perfect platform to get everything you’ll need and give your new pet the kind of welcome that is safe and built to last.