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Well, the Short Answer is YES
For the long Answer please keep reading.
If someone suggests to me that I must get rid of, or re-home my dogs to 'fully embrace the minimalist lifestyle' I can pretty much guarantee that I'll probably never speak to that person again.
It is not only because I love my pets, but because I feel that pets become a part of the family the moment they walk into our lives. (I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels this way).
Adopting minimalism as a lifestyle is not limited to merely getting rid of all possessions. It encompasses much more than simply decluttering your surroundings.
The reason why people think that minimalist cannot have a pet with their lifestyle is that having a pet requires you to spend your time, your energy and your money on them.
Minimalism requires you to only keeping what is essential, what adds value to your life and what brings you joy.
Well does a pet fit in to this definition of a ideal minimalist lifestyle? one might ask.
To put it simply a pet, be it a dog, a cat or a bird adds value to your life and brings you joy, therefore it becomes quite clear that it is not only possible but probable that someone embracing minimalist practices will hold on to their pets.
-A pet is clearly different from "material possessions". A pet is a live being, it has it's own unique personality and pets are very attached to their owners (or the more likely scenario is that the owners are very attached to their pets).
- Having a pet has shown to have many health benefits such as reducing blood pressure, and even helping to cope with depression and anxiety.
-Having a pet helps you to battle loneliness and makes you more responsible as you have the duty of taking care of the pet.
-Having a pet will help teach children responsibility
-Pets help you become more selfless
-A pet does not suddenly appear in your life. It is more likely that you made a conscious decision to buy or adopt a pet and make him a part of your life.
- A pet will help you reduce your stress.
-A pet (especially a dog) will motivate you to become more active because you must take it for daily walks and this will encourage you to socialize with other dog owners too.
-Dogs are good for protection and they are extremely loyal
-A pet (especially a dog) will teach you what is most important in your life. For your dog it values nothing more important than spending time playing with you and seeking your attention. It values you as a person and is not bothered by your wealth or social status
-Pets teach you to be content with life. Give a cat a cardboard box and watch as it will play for hours with it. Pets are happy if they have food and water, a place to sleep and an owner who gives them a bit of love and attention.
Therefore, having a pet definitely has more benefits than drawbacks .
That being said you can incorporate a routines when it comes to bringing up a pet, such as
-Have a schedule for your pets such as having specific times for feeding, exercise and bathing them.
-Limit the number of pet toys as pets prefer to play with their owners rather than their toys.
-Focus on feeding your pets a balanced diet, grooming them properly and getting them enough exercise. This will help you have a healthy pet and prevent illnesses.
-Give necessary any vaccinations and medications according to the direction of your vet.
-Have some money saved up specifically for your pets for any unexpected illnesses and visits to the vet.
- It is of utmost importance that You and your family make a conscious and well thought out decision together, to bring a pet into your life. Unless you are ready to fully commit them and make them a part of your family, for at least the next 10 to15 years or have the financial and physical means to support them, don't get a pet.
- It is of utmost importance that You and your family make a conscious and well thought out decision together, to bring a pet into your life. Unless you are ready to fully commit them and make them a part of your family, for at least the next 10 to15 years or have the financial and physical means to support them, don't get a pet.
Therefore, I would say having a pet is fairly in line with the minimalist mindset and It is a intentional choice that we make to bring a pet in to our homes and make it a part of our family.
So does a Pet fit into the definition of an ideal minimalist lifestyle? The Answer is definitely "YES"