Pros and cons of getting a second pet

By Sam Adebayo

As a pet lover, you cannot have enough pets. Okay, maybe you can. But if you love pets and taking care of your dog, cat, or hamster, it's only natural that you may feel the need to get a second pet. However, looking past the idealism of it all, you have to make sure you're up to the task. You don't want to inconvenience your existing pet or yourself because every pet deserves all the love and care in the world.

That's why in the coming paragraphs, we'll delve into the pros and cons of getting a second pet, what to consider when getting them, and some frequently answered questions.

Let's get it!

Why should you get another pet?

The only thing better than one pet is two pets. It's all about doubling the love in your household. If one brings so much love into your household, imagine how much two will bring. There's nothing like coming home to a pet that will love you unconditionally.

Every year about 19% of dogs and 40% of cats from shelters are euthanized. So, having a second pet, such as a dog or cat, means you're saving the life of that animal.

Considerations before adding another pet

If you've ever asked yourself, what should I do before adding another pet to your house? Well, here are some considerations.

Existing pet's temperament

It's always best to consider your pet's temperament before bringing another into your house. You don't want to bring unnecessary conflict into your home.

Space at your house

The next thing to consider is the space in your home. You may have so much love to give, but animals such as dogs and cats need space to move around and play. You also need space too. If there isn't, you may end up stressing both yourself and your pet.

Time commitment

Pets need so much attention, and if you're very busy and can't dedicate enough time to your pet, it may not be the perfect time to get the pet. You could also consider changing up your routine and see how it fits. Whatever you do, just make sure it works for both you and your pet. You don't want to risk getting frustrated.

Family dynamics

Consider your family dynamics when getting a new pet. There are a lot of things to think of, such as how the responsibilities will affect everyone, the preferences of your family members, and even their allergies. The pets you bring into the home become everyone's pets in a way. So, you must consider how it will affect them, from lifestyle changes to age considerations. For instance, little children will need supervision around certain pets.

Pros of having a second pet

Here are some pros to having a second pet.

Companionship for you and your pet

The extra companionship will be good for you, especially if you're a pet lover. It can help you fill your home with more love, not just for you but for your pet. For instance, dogs are social animals, and getting an extra pet will help them feel more loved. This reduces separation anxiety for current pets.

Could be a great role model for your existing pet

The presence of a well-behaved second pet can teach your other pets to behave better. Additionally, having another pet to play with gives them better social skills, encourages positive behaviours, and may even aid in training them.

Could help your senior pets

Later in the life of your pets, you can consider adding a new pet to give them a new friend and re-energize them. However, when doing this, be sure to break the introduction into stages so your senior pets can feel comfortable.

Gives you back some freedom

You love your pets, but sometimes you need a break, and having an extra playmate for them gives you time alone. But this doesn't negate the need for one-on-one time with your pets.

Your pets get some time to exercise

This doesn't cut the need for you to take them for walks. However, playing with another pet gives your pet a free workout.

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Cons of adding a second pet

Here are some drawbacks to having a second pet in your home.

Conflicts between pets

This is bound to happen, especially when their temperament clashes. Just like us, pets have preferences when it comes to animals too. Your quiet dog may not be digging the playful kitten or vice versa. Be sure to introduce your pets slowly over some time so they can get used to each other.

Stress of training

With more than one pet comes the stress of training. You may have to start all over again, and that in itself is more work, especially because every pet is different, so you may have to tweak your training. This carries extra stress.

Higher workload and financial responsibility

With a new pet comes an extra mouth to feed and strain on your pocket. Not only money, things like vet visits, double grooming, double cleaning, etc. This can all add up.

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Traveling becomes harder

You can't just leave your pets home alone and travel. You need to make more plans than you normally would. This is because every plan you make is multiplied by the number of pets you're bringing along with you.

Change in relationship with other pets

While you may obviously not be working on changing the relationship dynamics with your existing pet, it can happen. This is because the addition of a new pet comes with a shift in focus to making the newer pet more comfortable. So, be sure to be intentional so your older pet doesn't feel neglected.

Getting a second dog vs. getting a cat

The decision should be based on two main things:

You want to get a pet that complements the older pet while also suiting your home dynamic. Dogs tend to be more needy, louder, and need more training, while cats tend to be more independent and mellow even though they come with their own drama. Considering this makes your choice in what will be better for everyone in your home.

Considering age factors: young vs. old pet

Bringing a young pet into your home increases the chance of bonding better with you and increasing the energy in your home, but it needs a lot of training. On the other hand, adopting another older pet may give you one that has been trained already on some things, but since they're older, training new commands may be harder as these animals come with their own personality.

Necessary preparations and requirements when getting another pet

You have to prepare for getting a new pet just as you prepared for the existing one. You must get items such as

Ensure you allocate space for each pet. This helps prevent territorial disputes. Also, be sure to prepare for additional costs. This doesn't just include food but also medical expenses and grooming. It’s also a good idea to have a physical pet tag with your pet’s unique microchip # and your contact details, such as our Lifetime Warranty ID tags, to help keep your pets safe.

Also, ensure your pet is microchipped, with your contact information up-to-date.

Finally, be sure to be patient with your new pets as well as your current ones. They both need time to adjust, so provide all with love and care.

Conclusion

Getting a new pet brings so much joy and love into a home and companionship, but it can also bring disputes. So, you shouldn't make such a decision without making necessary considerations like space in the home and your level of commitment. Critically look at both sides and make an informed decision.

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FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about bringing another animal into your home.

Are dogs happier with a second dog?

Whether a dog is happier with another dog depends on factors such as individual personalities, training level, and space in the home. Be sure to introduce both dogs to each other in a controlled manner.

Should I get a second dog?

Having 2 dogs brings an extra layer of love and joy to a home. However, it comes with its own cons, such as the stress of training and extra financial responsibilities. So, in the end, it all boils down to what you prefer.

Is it better to get a cat or a dog first?

There's no right or wrong choice here. It depends on your personal choice here. Get whatever animal suits your lifestyle at that particular moment. If you want a more active life, then consider a dog; if you want an animal that's more independent, then consider a cat.

Will my dog be happier with a cat?

Whether your dog is happier with a cat depends on how they're introduced to each other, their individual personalities, and how you relate to each of them. But know that your dog can definitely be happy with a cat friend to play with.