If you are planning on retiring or you have just retired, this might be the perfect time to get a pet! Now that you have more time to focus on the things you want, you may find that you finally have time to take care of a pet. Pets are like companions and hobbies all rolled into one cute package! They can also be a great way to liven up your home if your kids have moved away and you feel like the house could use another friend around.

Man’s Best Friend

Dogs are an obvious choice for retirees. They’re affectionate and loyal and can provide a sense of security. They also give you a great excuse to get out and get moving! Walking your dog is a great way to keep yourself active. There is also no other pet with such a vast selection. You can get a dog the size of a loaf of bread, or you can get a dog that is taller than you when it stands up. You can get a dog that is quiet and slow, or you can get a dog that is fast and high maintenance. There will always be a dog for whatever your needs and wants are at the time.

Feline Friends

Cats are another classic American pet. They are also affectionate. One of the major advantages of a cat over a dog is that they are lower maintenance–you won’t have to take your cat for walks (but you could!). You also don’t have to let your cat outside. They are fairly self-sufficient and don’t take nearly as much work as a dog, which can be good for folks who are planning on traveling and leaving the house a lot during their retirement.

Happy Hoppy Critters

Funnily enough, bunnies are not that different from cats. You may not know this, but bunnies can be litter-trained just like a cat can! ^[1] You don’t have to put them in a hutch outside–you can let your bunny walk around your house freely. In terms of behavior, they are very similar to cats if you let them roam around your house. They are more work than a cat because of their diets and quirks,^[2] but they could very easily fit into your life if you’re interested in having a more involved fluffy friend during your retirement.

Slithery Smiles

Reptiles are not for everyone. Some people find them pretty unpleasant and strange. But if you’re looking for a pet that is more of a hobby than a pet, reptiles are an excellent choice. Many of them are similar to fish in this regard–you take care of them in their tank and control their environment to keep them happy. Some great, hearty reptiles for beginners are ball pythons, leopard geckos, and bearded dragons. ^[3] These species are easy to take care of (about as much work as taking care of a house plant) and are generally forgiving if you make any mistakes. In terms of workload, reptiles take the least amount of time to manage, making them ideal for retirees who are looking for something interesting to liven up the house but aren’t looking for a major commitment.

Regardless of which pet you might be interested in, it can be important to have your finances in order before financially committing to taking care of an animal. Please Click HERE to sign up for a complimentary review of your retirement plan with us at Suncrest Advisors.