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Luxury pets are a lovely — and prestigious — addition to any home. Whether your future furry companion is of the feline or canine persuasion, the joy and companionship they bring is second to none.

But while having a luxury pet has more pros than cons, ownership comes with significant responsibilities and financial considerations that every responsible pet owner should consider before committing.

Time Commitments

Luxury dog and cat breeds may take more of your time than you might initially expect. Some dog breeds, like Samoyeds or Australian Shepherds, require extensive and frequent physical activity to stay healthy and happy. These alert and active dogs may start to display destructive behaviors if they don’t get enough exercise or work every day.  

Cats are no exception. Although many mistakenly assume cats prefer to be alone, most domesticated cats are far from solitary. They crave frequent interaction with their owners to stay happy and reduce stress-based, destructive behaviors like overgrooming and depression.

If you are away most of the day and there is no one to stay with your pet, getting an active or social luxury breed is not a good idea.

Medical Conditions

While some luxury pets stay happy and healthy throughout their lives, others experience debilitating medical issues that can become expensive over time due to frequent vet visits, specialized medication and restricted diets. Here, the ethics of fashionable breeding become a concern, especially since they can hinder the quality of life for your pet.

PJ Gach, New York City-based writer who hails from a long line of dog enthusiasts, explained the potential medical risks involved with adopting luxury breeds: “Keep in mind that some of these breeds have genetic issues that require chronic care and attention,” Gach said. “It’s essential to thoroughly research the breed you want before making a firm commitment.”

Some of the issues your luxury pet may face include diabetes, cancers, pancreatitis, cardiac disease, breathing issues and joint issues.

Before adopting a luxury pet, understand the medical challenges the breed frequently experiences. Preparing beforehand decreases the likelihood of encountering problems and could save money and heartache in the long run.  

Personalized Care and Grooming

Some dog and cat breeds need extensive grooming and personalized care for optimum health. While this may not seem daunting, ensuring your pets get the care they need to live functional, healthy and happy lives is essential.

Lack of proper — and consistent — grooming may lead to issues that reduce their quality of life and make it harder for them to navigate their world efficiently.

Grooming can get expensive over time, especially if your pet needs consistent care. The average cost of pet grooming in the United States is $14.58 an hour but can reach $23.48 an hour depending on the business.

Food and Nutritional Considerations  

Your luxury pet may have specific dietary restrictions or nutritional needs that you must be aware of before you adopt.

While some pet owners opt for prepackaged foods sold by vendors, some breeds may require that you make their food from scratch or feed them a specialized and expensive diet. You need to prepare for this time- and money-consuming activity in advance.

Some meals you can prep beforehand and freeze; others require fresh preparation and high-quality ingredients to keep your pet healthy. Your pet’s diet is one of the most essential factors in health maintenance and the expenses could rack up quickly if you don’t plan accordingly.

Research Is Key

All pets bring love and warmth to a home. Although some luxury breeds need more time, care and attention than others, the innumerable benefits of owning a cat or dog far outweigh the cons.

If you are looking for a luxury breed, always make sure you take the time to research all risks and requirements associated with the pet you want before adopting to reduce the likelihood of choosing a pet that doesn’t fit your lifestyle, schedule and budget. 

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