Getting a new pet is a big event, and while it’s certainly exciting it can give rise to worries at times, too – welcome, new pet anxiety.
From the cost of owning a dog or other pet, to potential behavioral issues and time constraints, there are a lot of things to worry about when you’re bringing a new friend to their forever home – even something as simple as choosing the best dog toys might be stressful!
A survey of more than 1,000 dog and cat parents carried out by Hill’s Pet Nutrition has given us a real insight into the biggest anxieties faced by new pet parents, and while many of their concerns aren’t surprising, it’s still a real eye-opener. Whether you’re thinking of welcoming a new pet or you’ve had yours for a long time, are there any you relate to?
Almost three in 10 (29%) of respondents said their main worry was the day-to-day cost of having a pet, with food, toys, and routine vet checkups all adding up. A further 26% were most worried about vet bills and unexpected expenses – for example, if their pet needed sudden emergency care.
For almost a quarter of pet parents, behavioral challenges and training were the biggest worries.
Top causes of new pet anxiety in all new owners
- Cost of upkeep (29%)
- Veterinary care (26%)
- Potential behavioural issues (24%)
- Pet insurance costs (23%)
Causes of new pet anxiety when adopting or rescuing
- Behavioural issues (25%)
- Unknown medical history (16%)
- Bonding difficulties (11%)
Causes of new pet anxiety when buying from breeder
- Cost (13%)
- Finding a reputable breeder (11%)
Other factors respondents identified as worrying
- Whether a new rescue dog would get along with existing dogs in the family
- Being able to have a pet in a rental property
- Cost of caring for a dog or cat when on holiday
Dr Emma Milne, who partners with Hill’s, has taken the time out to offer some advice for new pet parents who might share some of these worries. For newly adopted pets, she recommends giving them access to a quiet room they can have to themselves, with cats in particular sometimes needing to hide away for days.
“It’s very important that whatever space you create is sacrosanct,” she says. “When the animal chooses to go there, no one is allowed to follow, especially children. Dogs can be trained to have a crate as their safe space, while cats love to be able to hide away in high places. Think about furniture that makes this possible."
Remember to be patient, too. Some animals can arrive in a new home and feel at ease straight away. Others might need weeks to settle in. There’s no way to know what your new furry friend will be like in this regard until you bring them home, but by not rushing the process you’ll make them feel more comfortable in the long run. Don’t forget to take on board these tried and tested ways to help a rescue pet settle in, too.
Dr Milne also urges prospective pet parents to ask themselves questions about their financial situation and lifestyle. Not every home will be the right fit for every pet, and that’s fine!
Regardless of your finances, however, taking out pet insurance is a great way to prepare for potential emergencies. “It’s also really important to make sure your policy is going to give you the best cover,” says Dr Milne. “Many owners get caught out with cheap policies that pay for virtually nothing or stop paying after a certain time.”
If you’d like to hear a fellow pet parent’s perspective, take a look at this article, too: I tried everything to help my nervous rescue dog settle in – here’s what actually worked.
