All relationships encounter certain milestones. Interestingly, these monumental moments tend to change from generation to generation. Nowadays, younger couples are delaying having children for reasons ranging from career goals to financial concerns. Instead of rushing into this serious commitment, people are more likely to get a pet to start learning about the responsibilities involved with rearing a little one. Of course, adopting a pet too early can be a big problem for many fledgling relationships. Consider these points to know if you and your partner’s relationship is ready for a pet.

Routine Matters

The working world has changed dramatically in recent years. Once upon a time, it was common for most professionals to work a traditional nine-to-five shift. These days, you’re more likely to hear that the average individual works within a completely different time frame. Luckily, traditional working hours are not the most important factor when it comes to owning a pet. What does matter, however, is having an established routine that you follow on a regular basis. Pets, especially puppies and kittens, need to have some form of structure when they are growing up in a new environment.

For dogs, this routine helps them to understand when someone will be home to take them out for a walk, thus limiting the odds of an accident taking place indoors. Similarly, cats are creatures of habit that expect to be fed the same exact time each day. All it takes is one delayed meal and you could be dealing with a kitten who is giving you a lot more attitude and trouble than you anticipated. If you and your partner are not yet on some type of regular schedule, a pet might not be the best idea at the moment. 

Financial Considerations

While a pet might not be as financially demanding as a child, you still need to consider your budget when determining if your relationship is ready for a pet. There are many expenses that come with owning a dog or cat. The basics include food, toys, and pet-specific accessories like litter for cats and leashes for dogs. However, beyond this, you have to budget for trips to the vet, household cleaning supplies, and similar expenses you might not have considered at first. Those who can afford these costs are ready to make this leap. 

Household Concerns

The home you currently reside in should also be taken into consideration when deciding if you can get a pet at this time in your lives. For example, living in a tiny apartment in a major city is not usually the best environment to get a larger dog that requires a lot of space to run around and play. Conversely, smaller apartments are perfect for indoor cats. To understand exactly what you are ready for, look at your living situation and assess whether or not it is the best environment for a growing animal.

Relationship Thoughts

Finally, your relationship itself should be a deciding factor. When you and your significant other spend a lot of time fighting, you might think the addition of a pet will act as a buffer. Sadly, this will not help your current issues and might create a stressful living arrangement for your pet. Before you make any big decisions, think about your relationship and whether or not you are headed in a positive direction.

Adding a pet to your life can be a wonderful and enriching decision. In order to see the best results from this choice, be sure to evaluate your current living situation, take stock of your finances, discuss the idea thoroughly, and determine the most responsible way to get started with pet ownership.