The Pros And Cons Of Having
A Pet While Working In News

The Pros And Cons Of Having A Pet While Working In News

Written by Lois Lane
šŸ•’ March 16, 2021

Constantly moving cities, to climb the latter of the TV News industry, means leaving behind colleagues, friends, and even romantic partners.

Settling into a new city, and a new apartment, can be a process full of loneliness, which prompts many to wonder if a pet could fill that void.Ā 

Bringing a pet into your home is a pretty big decision that should be made after assessing whether adopting an animal makes sense with your schedule. Not to mention, you must consider the logistics of your lease, and how your new furry friend will fit in your home.

The time it takes for a cat or a dog to become comfortable and familiar with you and its new home can vary, but expect it to take about a month or so. Cats may exhibit their discomfort by causing a raucous in the night, and keeping you awake, while a dog may be demanding about going for walks or have a frequent need to go potty.

Helping your pet adapt to a new environment takes time and patience.

If sleep is a delicate subject for you, because you work the morning show, consider that it may take some restless nights to get your new pal to settle in.

If youā€™re always chasing down stories, and rarely find time for a lunch break, that may not work for your dog (who will be full of pent-up energy by the time you arrive home nine or 10 hours later).

When weighing the pros and cons, you must also take into consideration the cost of adopting a pet, plus the associated cost of food and must-have accessories. And be prepared to pay a pretty big chunk of change should your pet ever get sick.Ā 

Routine veterinary visits can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 for dogs, and $90 to $200 for cats. Those costs can increase exponentially if your canine or feline companion injures a paw, ingests a poisonous material, or contracts a parasite.

Paychecks for newsroom employees tend to be thin, and if you canā€™t reserve some cash for an emergency vet fund, you may need to think twice about adding a pet to your bill.

Being new to the area means it may take time to make friends and get acquainted with your neighborsā€”thatā€™s why youā€™re looking for a pet in the first place, right?

But something important to consider is: Who will care for your pet when youā€™re away, either on vacation or reporting live at a stand off that lasts the whole day? Securing a sitter, or someone who can check-in on your pet, is critical to their care and your peace of mind.

All that said, animals can be amazing sources of comfort after a long, hard day of grueling news coverage. Nothing can remedy a murder scene, or bitter cold weather coverage, quite like the warmth of a cat or dog offering you unconditional love. These creatures can have a positive effect on your wellbeing, as well as both your physical and mental health.

According to a News in Health study, interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone), and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.

Research around dog owners indicates your pooch might help you lose… well, your “belly pooch” through frequent demands for walking. Most people in the news industry know the stress of the daily news cycle is ongoing and difficult to untangle, but the love from a furry friend may be your answer if youā€™ve got the time, space, and cash to care for one!

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