What is a Forever Home?

While I have been around pets, and have had my share of them over the years, I understand that there are people for whom having a pet is a new experience. These people will discover new terms and words they didn't know went with owning a pet. One of these is the term "forever home."

The Meaning of a Forever Home

What does "forever home" mean? The true question should be what is a forever home. A forever home is a place where a pet can live out its life, grow old in a loving home and pass on knowing that it was loved for eternity. The definition may sound sentimental, but from experience I can tell you that both dogs and cats are aware when they have found a person or family which will share their lives until the end of their time.

What Makes a Forever Home

A forever home is a physical location; but it is also more than that. The physical location is just a small part of what makes up a forever home. If a pet owner can find a way to keep their pets happy and healthy, regardless of the situation, that is part of what makes a forever home. I had an orange tabby, Alley, whom was with me through three homes and two floods over nearly six years. No matter what happened, she knew she had a warm place to sleep; she knew she would always have some type of food and water available for her; she knew that she would be cared for and loved regardless of where we were. That is what makes up a forever home.

Creating a Forever Home

Having a love of pets or animals is not enough to create a forever home; simply ask anyone who was forced out of their home and forced to let go of their pets because of it. Creating a forever home requires some level of stability, both financial and personal. This is often a point which is forgotten by potential pet owners. Thinking that you will simply bring a pet home and love it will not be enough. You must ask yourself if you are currently financially stable, and are there signs of any instability in your job position for the foreseeable future. You must ask yourself if you are able to handle the added cost of keeping a pet. There is also the cost of healthcare; would you be willing to commit hundreds of dollars to vet bills should your pet need it. You must ask yourself if you have the temper, patience, and tolerance to accept your pet regardless of what issues might arise. You also must ask if you have the time for the pet. Yes, pets, like children, like attention and know when they are being ignored or pushed aside because of "more important things."

Considerations of Providing a Forever Home

Before getting a pet, know what having a forever home means. Don't get a pet if your lease doesn't specify pets are allowed; even if there is no pet clause written it does not mean they are allowed by the absence of the clause. Landlords can change their mind if they find you have a pet and never discussed it with them. Don't get a pet thinking your toddler will grow up with it. Very young children don't know or understand what a pet is; to them your new cat or dog is another toy. The pets will need to put up with a toddler poking them, prodding them or trying to push and pull them. My cat was occasionally picked up and carried around like a doll. Pets are not suited for this. Wait for the kids to reach school age. If you change residences frequently understand the stress this will have on your pet. Know and understand the reason for the space requirements for your specific pet. Guinea pigs need a two foot square space minimum while a horse requires about an acre for sufficient exercise. Know the zoning and local laws for your pet. Many communities have dog laws, laws for the number of pets, size of pets or registration of a pet.