After a four-legged family member passes away, many people struggle with the notion of getting a new pet. The uncertainty of how long you should wait, the guilt of even thinking about bringing home a new pet, and the fear of getting your heart broken when the new pet eventually dies are common concerns. But you also know that the love and joy a furry companion can add to your life is hard to match. And your deceased pet would want nothing more than for you to be happy.
Nonetheless, welcoming a new pet into your life after your dog or cat has passed away is a big decision, and the right way to handle it varies by each individual and family. At Andy’s Pet Grooming, we strive to help our customers take care of their pets in the best ways possible, which is why we’ve provided some practical advice on how to approach this situation:
Allow Yourself to Grieve
First of all, you must allow yourself time to mourn your lost pet. Exactly how much time you need will depend on your specific situation. Some families need weeks, months, or longer to cherish the memories of their deceased pets. However, other families (often ones who have had many pets in the past) can be ready for a new pet within days. Just make sure you have properly mourned your deceased pet before getting a new one so that you don’t act towards your new pet with resentment.
Also, acknowledge any guilt you are feeling about the prospects of bringing home a new furry family member. It’s common to feel like you are being disloyal to your companion that has passed away, but remember that welcoming a new pet is a great way to honor the memory of your deceased pet.
Purchase Supplies and Save Money
As soon as you decide it’s time, start shopping for the pet supplies you will need. This might include things like:
While there are a lot of things to think about for your new pet, you don’t have to harm your budget when purchasing supplies. Sites like Chewy consistently offer great deals on a variety of items, and implementing promo codes and coupons at checkout will help you increase your savings even more.
Make Your Home Safe
Another way you can prepare for your new pet is to make sure your home is safe and secure. Pet-proofing is essential for keeping your pet safe and preventing your home from becoming a disaster area. Keep all cleaning chemicals, medications, and other potentially harmful substances locked away. Remove or tape down any wires or cables that the new pet could chew. Put baby gates up around any areas you don’t want your pet to access. And make sure your yard is a safe play area by installing a stable fence, removing poisonous plants, storing tools away, and so on.
Plan Your (and Your Pet’s) Routine
Finally, establish a routine from day one. Be consistent with the times that you feed, potty, walk, and play with your pet. And try to get everyone in your family on a steady schedule, at least for the first couple of weeks. If your pet can predict where people are coming and going, it will reduce their anxiety and help them feel secure.
Getting a new pet after your dog or cat has passed away can be a wonderful way to start a new chapter. But it’s essential to get the timing right. Remember to let yourself mourn the loss of your pet. And when you’re ready, start shopping for supplies, pet-proofing your home, and developing a routine that will help your new furry family member settle in smoothly.
Are you looking for quality pet-grooming services and/or supplies? Visit andyspetgrooming.com to see what we offer!
Mike Nicholson
Creator, www.dogfriends.co