How to date with your pet
More and more people are seeing their pets as a member of the family, rather than simply an animal in their care. That not only means better care for our pets, but also more loyalty to our four legged friends. We’re more likely to choose our pet over boyfriends, and sometimes even homes. If you’re single with a pet however, that doesn’t mean you will have to stay single forever. There’s plenty of people out there who will love your pet just as much as you do, it’s just a matter of finding them. Here are a couple of tips to get you started.
Communicate
If your pets are a non-negotiable part of your life, you need to let a potential partner know on the very first date. If the person you are dating hates dogs, is allergic to cats, or finds you owning a giant pet spider creepy, you’ll avoid a broken heart when they do finally find out.
If they’re fine with the fact that you have pets, you’ve already gone a long way to making sure you and your furry friend have a partner that you’ll both enjoy having around.
Go on a pet friendly date
If your date is okay with pets, and perhaps has some of his own, arranging a pet friendly date is the next step in finding out if he can be a long term partner. Go to the beach, a park, or other dog friendly location, and let him know in advance you’re taking your pet also.
If you both have pets it may be best to introduce him to your pet, and then meet his separately, before seeing how they get along together.
A date with your pet is a great way to see how they’ll interact with your pet, how your pet feels about the matter, and whether everyone is compatible in general.
Make it obvious your a package deal
If your date still wanted to continue being with you knowing you have a pet, and even after meeting the pet, it’s not time to drop the subject completely. It’s possible they’ll think you’ll be willing to get rid of your pet as you grow more attached to your significant other.
Keep a line of communication open about your pet. Mention them regularly as you date, and if you and your significant other reach the point where you’re discussing moving in together or marrying, make your pet one of the first discussion points.
If they want to move in with you, but not with your pet, remind them you and your furry (feathered or scaly) friend are a package deal.
Although your date may still not get the memo, by being open and clear about your communications, you’ll know that you’ve given them every chance to understand your pet is a part of your life, and always will be. Hopefully, by keeping the lines of communication open, you’ll have found someone who is as crazy about your pet as they are about you.
