Preparing Mentally for a First Pet

This article provides general information only and doesn’t take into account your individual circumstances. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Please read the relevant PDS. Accurate as at 6 November 2026.

Getting your first pet is exciting. There’s a name to pick, toys to buy, and a camera roll that’s about to get very full.

But before all the fun begins, there are a few things worth thinking about. Preparing mentally means understanding the time and commitment involved, whether you have capacity to meet your pet’s needs, and what everyday life with a pet really looks like. That way, you and your new companion can get off to the best possible start.

Here are a few things to consider before bringing a pet home.

Table of contents

Understand that it’s a long-term commitment
Be realistic about the time involved
Make sure your home and lifestyle fit
Expect a settling-in period
Take your time with the decision
Consider how you would pay for unexpected vet bills

Understand that it’s a long-term commitment

Caring for a pet is a long-term commitment. Dogs and cats have an average reported lifespan of around 12 years, and some live much longer. That’s a pretty big commitment, one that could outlast your current lease, job, and probably a few phones.

It’s also worth thinking beyond those adorable puppy or kitten days. Young animals grow into adults with their own care needs, so try to picture the adult dog or cat they’ll become, whether you’ll be able to meet their changing needs throughout their life and what life together might look like down the track.

The RSPCA advises that bringing home a pet should be the result of careful planning, with a clear understanding of the responsibilities that come with caring for an animal throughout their life.

Be realistic about the time involved

Pets need your time and attention every day. Exactly what this involves will vary depending on the individual animal, but this may include exercise, socialisation, grooming, feeding, reward-based training, play, and social interaction, as well as making time for regular health checks and preventative veterinary care, such as vaccinations and parasite prevention.

Puppies and kittens can require a particularly large time investment, so if you’re welcoming a young animal into your life, be prepared to give them plenty of time and patience.

Before you commit, think about what a typical weekday looks like. Who’ll handle feeding, walks, and playtime? And what happens when life gets particularly busy? If you haven’t quite figured that out yet, it’s worth making a plan first.

Make sure your home and lifestyle fit

Before bringing a pet home, think about whether your space is ready for them. Check that you’re allowed to keep animals where you live, and that your home and yard are suitable and secure. If you’re renting, make sure you understand and meet any requirements that apply to keeping a pet where you live. It’s also worth thinking ahead to what might happen if you move.

Next, think about your day-to-day life. Consider your work hours, social plans, and travel, and who’ll look after your pet when you’re away.

It’s also important to think about who could care for your pet if you were ever unable to. Having provisions in place for their ongoing care is another part of being a responsible pet owner.

Expect a settling-in period

Those first few days and weeks can take a bit of getting used to, for both you and your pet. Your pet is finding their feet in a new home, getting used to a new environment and routine, while you’re getting used to having them as part of your everyday life. Give your pet time and space to settle in and remember that exactly how long this takes will vary between individual animals. Avoid rushing them and let them become familiar with their new home at their own pace.

Take your time with the decision

There’s no need to rush into pet ownership. Giving yourself time to think everything through can help you make a more informed choice, which is better for both you and your future pet.

If you’re not sure whether you’re ready, you could spend time with friends or family members who have pets and ask them about what pet ownership looks like day to day, including how much time, care and planning it involves and how the reality compared with their expectations. You might also gain some practical experience by helping to care for a friend or family member’s pet when they’re away.

And when you do decide you’re ready, there’s plenty to look forward to. Pet ownership comes with a significant responsibility and commitment, but many people also report positive experiences from sharing their lives with a four-legged companion. In one survey, more than 85% of pet owners said their animal had an overall positive impact on their lives.

It’s about having realistic expectations, understanding the commitment involved and making the decision carefully.

Consider how you would pay for unexpected vet bills

Accidents and illnesses can happen to any pet. And when you’re a first-time pet owner, an unexpected vet bill can feel a little overwhelming. Pet insurance can help cover some of those costs, so you can focus on caring for your pet.

With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can customise your dog or cat’s cover to suit their needs and your budget. Plus, every policy contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives, including the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of animals in need.

Ready to learn more? Visit the RSPCA Pet Insurance website or fetch a commitment-free quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

References

[1] RSPCA Australia. What do I need to know before I get a new pet? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/choosing-a-pet/what-do-i-need-to-know-before-i-get-a-new-pet

[2] RSPCA Australia. RSPCA Policy A3 Acquiring a companion animal. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/rspca-policy/a-companion-animals/rspca-policy-a3-acquiring-a-companion-animal

[3] RSPCA Australia. What are the benefits of companion animals to human health? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pet-ownership/what-are-the-benefits-of-companion-animals-to-human-health

[4] RSPCA Australia. RSPCA Policy A2 Responsible companion animal ownership. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/rspca-policy/a-companion-animals/rspca-policy-a2-responsible-companion-animal-ownership

[5] RSPCA Australia. What do I need to know about brachycephalic dogs? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/health-issues/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-brachycephalic-dogs

[6] RSPCA Australia. I’m looking for a new companion animal, where should I go? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/choosing-a-pet/im-looking-for-a-new-companion-animal-where-should-i-go

[7] RSPCA Australia. Adopting a dog or puppy. Available from: https://www.rspca.org.au/adopt/adopting-a-dog-or-puppy/

[8] RSPCA Australia. How can I help my cat adjust to a new home? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-can-i-help-my-cat-adjust-to-a-new-home

[9] RSPCA Australia. What should I do when I bring home a new puppy? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/puppies/what-should-i-do-when-i-bring-home-a-new-puppy

FAQs

Being ready for a pet isn’t just about the excitement. It’s about making sure you can give them the care they need throughout their life. Think about the time, costs, housing and lifestyle requirements involved, and whether you’re ready to commit to caring for them for their whole life. For dogs and cats, the average reported lifespan is around 12 years, and some may live much longer. If you’ve thought it all through and your answer is still yes, you’re on the right track.

Alongside the financial commitment and having capacity to meet your pet’s needs, time is a major consideration. Caring for a pet requires significant time investment, both daily and throughout their life. Exactly what this involves will vary depending on the individual animals, but this may include feeding, grooming, exercise, play, training and social interaction but also regular health checks and keeping up with preventative vet care such as parasite prevention and vaccinations. And if you’re bringing home a puppy or kitten, be prepared to give them even more of your time.

There are a range of costs to consider. Along with costs like vaccination, microchipping, and desexing, there are ongoing expenses such as food, worming, health checks, vet bills, training, care while you’re away, toys, treats and other supplies. It’s also worth thinking about whether you could afford emergency vet treatment if your pet ever needed it.

Start by researching the needs of the type of pet you’re considering, including space requirements, associated costs, exercise needs and any health problems they may be predisposed to. Then think about how those needs fit with your family, home, lifestyle, and financial situation. If you’re considering adoption, the RSPCA or another reputable rescue organisation is a great place to start and can help you find an animal suited to your circumstances. If you’re considering buying from a breeder, make sure you do plenty of research and due diligence, and choose a responsible breeder who prioritises the health and welfare of their animals over appearance.