A survey of 2,000 pet owners found that almost two thirds said that having a pet has improved their physical and mental health – but there are definitely a few things they wish they had known before bringing home a furry companion

Pet owners have shared a range of things they wish they had known before bringing home a dog or cat. While more than half of pet owners reported that having a pet has improved their physical and mental health, there are definitely a few insights they wish they had prior to becoming pet parents.

Dog owners were found to be more likely than cat owners to make lifestyle changes for their pets – 69% compared to 45%. These changes included adjusting daily routines to allow for walks and rethinking holidays. Seven in ten dog owners described the first few months of ownership as a “crash course in canine chaos.”

According to the poll of 2,000 pet owners, dog owners also wished they had been prepared for always needing emergency poo bags, dealing with their dog’s “selective hearing,” and finding their home covered in fur.

Other unexpected revelations included braving all kinds of weather for walks, losing their place on the sofa the moment they stood up, enduring 5 a.m. wake-up calls for no reason, brushing their dog’s teeth, and dealing with their pet’s talent for finding and rolling in the smelliest things imaginable.

For cat owners, 29% were surprised to find that no matter how many scratching posts they purchased, their furniture was still fair game. Meanwhile, 20% noticed their cat’s knack for knocking objects off shelves, seemingly just to watch them fall.

According to the research, commissioned by Pet Health Club, 27% of cat owners discovered that even the fanciest cat bed was no match for the allure of a cardboard box.

Vet Holly McKinley, from Pet Health Club, commented: “Every pet comes with their own quirks – and while many of these become the things owners grow to love most, they can take a bit of getting used to at first.”

“Whether you’re a seasoned dog or cat owner, or bringing home your very first pet, there’s always something new to learn,” she added. This was especially true for pet owners who had decided to get a dog or cat during the pandemic.

Owners and their pets became accustomed to a consistent routine during lockdown. However, 18% admitted that things became more challenging once restrictions were lifted, as routine changes led to some pets experiencing separation anxiety, so they were required to relearn and adapt things yet again.

Pet Health Club has created an online quiz, to help prospective pet owners decide if they’re ready for the responsibilities of pet ownership.

The vast majority agreed it was worth the effort. For many, the most rewarding aspect of pet ownership is the unconditional love and companionship they receive. Others cited the joy of watching their pet grow and develop (29%) or the satisfaction of giving a dog a good home (20%).

“It’s easy to underestimate just how much care pets need behind the scenes,” Holly added. “In reality, every day is a learning curve, and it’s completely normal for owners to feel a bit out of their depth at the start.”

TOP 10 THINGS DOG OWNERS WISH THEY KNEW:

1. I’d have to carry emergency poo bags in every pocket
2. It would be a master of selective hearing – especially when called
3. It would need plenty of training, attention, and mental stimulation
4. It would shed enough fur to knit a whole new dog
5. ‘Walkies’ means going out in any weather – rain, wind, or snow
6. It would steal my spot on the sofa the second I stand up
7. It would wake me up at 5am for absolutely no reason
8. It would need monthly flea and worm treatments, even if it looks fine
9. It would need annual vaccines to stay healthy
10. It would need its teeth brushed and would rebel against the toothbrush

TOP 10 THINGS CAT OWNERS WISH THEY KNEW:

1. Cats shed more than you’d ever expect, and that fur seems to get everywhere
2. Furniture becomes fair game for scratching, no matter how many posts you buy
3. Your cat will ignore the fancy bed you bought and choose the box it came in
4. They demand attention when you’re busy, but ignore you when you want them
5. Monthly flea and worm treatments are a must, even for the indoor cat
6. They’ll suddenly become incredibly active when you’re trying to sleep
7. Litter trays need regular attention, or your cat may decide it’s time to protest
8. Regular vet visits and vaccinations are essential, even if they act perfectly fine
9. You’ll probably find ‘gifts’ from your cat in the form of dead mice
10. They have an impressive ability to knock things off shelves, just to watch them fall