Discovering YOU Magazine May 2019 Issue | Page 36

10 ARRANGEMENTS TO

MAKE BEFORE BECOMING

A SINGLE PET PARENT

Know what it takes to be a loving

and responsible single pet parent.

Article by PETTEAMRX, October 1, 2018

ASK THE EXPERTS WITH CODY

The world we live in today forces us to spend most of our time at work. The time we get away from work we end up spending online. While people end up focusing more on their digital image and relationship, the real ones get severed. No matter how busy and happy a person’s Instagram page looks, they might be extremely lonely in reality. Back in 2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ survey showed that 50.2% of Americans, over the age of 16, are single. The feeling of isolation and loneliness is not good for mental health.

To combat this feeling of loneliness and isolation many people choose to bring a pet home. A pet is a big responsibility. Most companion animals are better suited to a family atmosphere where there is more than one person capable of taking care of them. While a pet might be better for a family environment, they are an integral part of the lives of many single people. If you are single and looking to adopt a pet, then you need to make some arrangements to ensure that you can

provide the right care for your pet by yourself.

FIX MEAL REGIMENT

The first thing you need to get in order even before you get a pet is their food. You cannot afford to bring a pet home and then run around gathering their food. Buy pet food in advance, chart out a feeding schedule and have feeding bowls ready. Before you go to get your pet, fill up the bowl and keep them prepared for your pet to chow down on when they arrive. Preparing food before getting your pet allows you to have one less thing to worry about when you bring your new pet home. You also need to keep a water bowl ready for your pet to drink from after their journey.

PLAN OUT VET VISITS

Taking your pet to the vet is difficult when you have to do it alone. You cannot take a day off from work to take your pet to the vet. Since many single pet parents take their pets to the vet on weekends,