Bringing Bigger Animals Into The Home

*Collaborative Post

If you’re somebody who loves animals and are eager to have more of them in your home, there’s a good chance that you may well be turning your mind towards bigger animals. After all, there’s only so many cats, dogs, hamsters and guinea pigs you can own! Variety is the spice of life and as animals can bring so much joy, are good for your wellbeing and can keep you active it is a part of your lifestyle that can easily be expanded if you have the space and the disposable income to cover the needs of a larger pet.

Perhaps you’re in the position to consider getting your first horse, maybe adopting large birds and or building your own outside aviary? No matter what kind of animals you’re into, you will first need to find a responsible source; and understand your own responsibilities.

Finding a Responsible Source

If you want to adopt a bigger or even an exotic animal, you need to properly search for responsible breeders or existing owners. You want to be sure you’re only giving your time and money to someone who loves and cares for the animals in their pasture or the kennels, and that’s proved in front of you. 

We’ve all heard of the term, ‘adopt, don’t shop’, but this isn’t always possible in every situation. All domesticated animals that currently exist deserve a loving home and even my own dog was bought from somebody who could not look after her anymore. There are animals in need in other places too.

If you go to a breeder it will most probably be because you are looking for a particular animal, you are after that expertise and want to know the bloodlines etc. They can also provide you with their own tips, they know their animals plus they may offer for the pet to be returned to them if things don’t quite work out.

Adopting or buying outside of a rescue home is a choice and isn’t something you should feel guilty about needing to do. You’re going where you need to at this time and you’ll also be helping to fund healthy and sustainable efforts made by reputable breeders over others. There can be some very shady ‘breeders’ around and we have all heard of the awful conditions found in puppy farms. Doing your research will pay off, you do not want to be buying a pet that has been poorly cared or overbred. 

Make Sure You Invest in the Right Equipment

Depending on the animal you’re going to get for your household, or adopt at a nearby stable or farmland, you’re going to need to invest in the right equipment like horse bits. What does that mean? It’s time to do your research again! It could be costly which means you may need to set a budget. 

If you’re going to get a horse, for example, make sure you don’t forget to look into investing in equipment like Horse bits, especially if you also need to learn how to ride your horse too or teach others. To find out more check this horse blog. If you’re planning to invest in a flock of sheep or a couple of goats, you might want to plan for lambing season – that’ll involve buying ewe halters and plenty of buckets, as well as warming equipment and towels specifically for working outside with.

 

Plan Your Space

You will need to carefully plan out your outdoor space for your newly chosen pet/pets and will need to be able to provide them with the adequate sleeping quarters as well as exercise areas. If your garden isn’t large enough this isn’t going to work. Your other options would be to look into renting outdoor space such as fields in order to house or run your pet. Of course, if you are choosing a large animal such as a horse you will also need to be in the position to hire a stable. You will also need to ensure that you can secure these long term and check details for getting extra help from say a stable hand.

Time

Lastly, you will need to consider the time you have to put into looking after bigger animals. With an animal like a horse comes a bigger responsibility and a routine that must be followed each and every day. You will need to be on hand to get up early, check on them during the day, return at night, bring larger animals inside and keep them warm, as well as being available in case of any emergencies. Moving on from a pet such as a cat to a larger outdoor animal will take some adapting but once you have it right it will all come together.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.