Pros and Cons of Having Pets

Being a pet owner is a big responsibility. You must be sure that you are able to take care of your pet and provide it with a comfortable living environment. There are some advantages and disadvantages of having pets. The most important advantage of having pets is that they give their owners unconditional love and companionship, and also a sense of purpose and responsibility. They can even help people learn valuable lessons in patience and understanding.

Level A2 / B1

What pet is right for me? Choosing the right type of pet is a big decision, so be sure to do your research and consider not just your needs, but the needs of the pet you’ll be bringing home.

Choosing a pet you should take into consideration:

  • your finances (veterinary care, pet insurance, spaying, medications, vaccinations, grooming, dental care, food, bedding, toys,
    licensing
  • your schedule (Are you a busy person? Do you travel a lot? Do you need to hire a petsitter? Does your pet need a lot of attention?)
  • your lifestyle (Are you an active person? Do you prefer staying outdoors? Does your pet suit your lifestyle?)
  • local laws (Do local authrities limit the number of pets you can have? Which types of pets you can’t have?)
  • your current pet situation (Do you have some other pets? Do these pets mix?)

Pros and Cons of Having a Dog

Advantages of having a dog:

  • Dogs are fun. They like playing and running with you.
  • Dogs are loyal. They will never betray you. They protect you, and don’t ask for much in return.
  • Dogs will help you get exercise at least twice a day because you have to walk them. Through regular exercise, you can keep fit.
  • A dog can be your best friend.
  • Dogs are great family members. They have the positive effects on the whole family.
  • Dogs can protect you. Your dog might not be dangerous, but by simply barking, he can keep away a burglar who might think of entering your house.

Disadvantages of having a dog:

  • It takes time to walk your dog. A dog is not happy if he doesn’t have daily exercise and can only do his business outside.
  • It’s not a good idea to have a dog, especially a big one, if you don’t live close to a park or forest. Dogs need to run and enjoy their freedom.
  • Dog food is expensive. It’s not cheap to go to the vet (at least once a year).
  • You will need a dog babysitter when you’re gone. Whether a close relative, a friend or a dog kennel, it needs to be someone who has at least some knowledge about dogs and how to take care of them.
  • Dogs should be trained. It takes time and money. Dogs should know limits like what is their food, which areas (like the couch or the bed) are off-limits.

Before choosing a dog, find out about the different breeds’ behavior, likes, and dislikes. Find the dog that is suited to your lifestyle.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Cat

The benefits of having a cat:

  • Cats are good at cleaning and entertaining themselves.
  • Cats are independent animals, and they definitely don’t need constant supervision.
  • When they’re in the mood, cats can be very loving.
  • Stroking a cat has a calming effect and reduce stress.
  • They are also very playful animals.
  • They are adorable as kittens.
  • They don’t require a lot of space and are happy to live in a small house or apartment, as long as there is a source of warmth and a window from which they can watch the world.
  • Cats don’t require walks.
  • One of the reasons that humans domesticated cats was to help control the populations of rodents. Many domestic cats still enjoy the thrill of the hunt, killing rodents, insects, and other small animals both indoors and out.

The drawbacks of having a cat:

  • Cats shed a lot. Be prepared for its hair to get everywhere.
  • Their litterboxes smell and require regular cleaning.
  • They claw the furniture and scatch everything.
  • Some people have cat allergies.
  • Veterinary bills can be expensive.
  • Cats a natural-born killers and may bring dead mice and lizards to your home.
  • Cats can’t be easily trained and have a will of their own and don’t tend to listen to orders or commands.
  • Cats sometimes get sick and vomit for a number of reasons. And you’re the one who has to clean it up.
  • Cats often scratch and bite people.
  • They may wake you up late in the night or early in the morning.
  • They often get fleas.

“Time spent with cats is never wasted.” – Sigmund Freud

Advantages and Disadvantages of Having a Rabbit

Advantages of having a rabbit:

  • Rabbits are docile and easy to live with.
  • They are good with children who spend a lot of time at home and they can form a strong emotional bond with them.
  • Rabbits have the ability to adapt to different environments both indoor and outdoor.
  • There is a variety of breeds and styles of rabbits.
  • Rabbits can be trained and will even be able to understand certain orders.
  • They are actually well disciplined.
  • Rabbits are clean animals. They love to preen themselves all day long.
  • It is rare for a rabbit to get depressed.

Disadvantages of having a rabbit:

  • They love to bite everything and anything: laces, fabrics, plastic toys, electrical cables, etc. The reason for this is partly because they have teeth which never stop growing. They need to chew on hard objects to wear them down.
  • Rabbits can be messy. When they eat, they strew food all over the floor.
  • As rabbits have a tendency to be messy, you will need to devote a certain amount of time to cleaning up after them. Without a clean living space, rabbits will become depressed.
  • Rabbits hate to feel trapped and will be more docile if they are allowed freedom to run.
  • Having a rabbit is not always cheap. You need to have the right amount of food and bedding to keep them well fed and comfortable.
  • They are usually not friends with dogs and cats.

 

Source:

https://pethelpful.com/dogs/The-Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Having-a-Dog
https://www.mypetcab.com/blog/choosing-a-pet-thats-right-for-you
https://www.animalwised.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-having-a-rabbit