Parents quite often object to the idea of having a pet for many reasons: it’s a big investment, they don’t want to clean up after them, and it’s a lot of work to keep them happy and healthy. However, there are also many benefits to having a pet: it can increase the time you spend together, make you more responsible, and make everyone a little happier to come home to. Before asking your parents, make a plan!
1 Show responsibility
Research the kind of animal you want. Get some books or research the Internet about this pet. Ask friends who own or have owned an animal like this to find out how to take care of it. The more you know about what you’re going to get, the more compelling your pitch for later will be.
Do your best to know all the details of the animal you are going to request. If you learn something about this animal that you don’t like (e.g. if it eats live animals, if it lives for 30 years, if it needs a lot of outdoor space, etc.), feel free to check out similar animals until you find the right one for you.
Knowing this information, you can throw one or two to your parents to start thinking about.
Be sure to check local laws if you want to own an exotic pet. Some animals might be illegal in certain areas, although it is possible to buy one or know someone who owns one, so it is best not to buy one.
2 Keep calm and be patient.
Remember that a pet is a huge life changer. Your parents are going to need time to think about it, which can take between a week and months, depending on the type of animal. If you stay calm during this time, you show them that you are mature enough and ready to take on this responsibility.
Remember that you will have this animal for several years (depending on the animal) and that you will have to take care of it. If you lose interest in that animal over the next few months, it’s probably not the type of animal you want. Take advantage of this time to reflect on the commitment you are about to make.
3 Act like an adult.
Clean up, do your homework, and show respect. If you behave like an adult, your parents might consider a positive outcome at your request. In addition to coaxing them, it shows them that you are mature and responsible enough to have a pet.
Good grades could help you get a pet. Your parents might worry that a pet might affect your grades in school. Get the best grades you can to dispel that doubt before it even crosses their minds.
4 Save money in a “savings fund” for your pet.
If your parents allow it, save some money to show them that you’re willing to contribute financially to your pet’s upkeep. If they won’t let you, do odd jobs and household chores. If you’re a teenager, you might try to find a job caring for your pet yourself.
Consider talking to your parents about “paying” for your pet. What could you do at home or in the neighborhood to raise the necessary money? What grades should you have? Would it be possible if you agreed to do more chores, volunteer or help them?
5 Do not abandon your responsibilities.
Do you have to do the dishes every other day? So do it before you are reminded. Did you promise them to keep your little sister? Do it (and with a smile too). Keep your promises to show them that you are responsible and can take care of a pet.
Although pets look fun on the outside, they still require a lot of care. It is not enough to play with Fido and feed him, you will have to take him out to relieve himself and clean up if he urinates inside. By showing that you can handle these responsibilities without being reminded, you are showing your parents that you can handle the inconvenience of having a pet, too.
