A new pet is a big decision for the whole family. It might take a while to find the cat or dog that is perfect for your family. Once you’ve found them, what’s their name going to be? What toys do they need? How will you get them home? One of the biggest considerations you will have to make is whether your new pet will live indoors or outdoors. Like a lot of big choices in life, a Pros & Cons list can help your decision-making.
Indoor pets - So you’ve decided to let your new pets live inside – what are the pros and cons of this?
Pros of inside pets
You know your pet will be safe even when you aren’t home because they’re inside the house
There’s no chance of your pet going missing
Cats aren’t able to eat wildlife and if they don’t like wearing a collar they won’t have to
Your pet's food won't be eaten by wildlife or other animals wandering around the yard
Cons of inside pets
Your pets will have to go to the toilet inside so you need to make sure you have a product like the ScoopFree (for cats), or The PetLoo (for dogs) ready as soon as possible
Dogs, in particular, may get bored or restless especially if you live in a small house or apartment
It will be a challenge if you do not have the time to walk your dogs
Outdoor pets - Your new pet is going to spend their time outside – what are the pros and cons of this?
Pros of outdoor pets
Your pets will be able to wander around the yard and exercise freely
This is better for time-poor pet owners as outdoor dogs may not have to be walked as much
Your pet can go to the toilet outdoors
Cons of outdoor pets
Other animals might eat their food while your pet is asleep or not looking
There’s a higher chance of your pets going missing. While you can’t contain cats in a yard, dogs can be contained. This is not to say they won’t go missing, as dogs can break free
There’s a higher chance of your pets fighting with other animals – cats can be particularly guilty of neighborhood brawls in the middle of the night
Whichever decision you make will be right for you and your pet. We hope this list helps you make the decision.