Before getting my first pet, I fantasized about having a furry companion for walks and cozy couch snuggles. And while that dream did come true, the vet visits, bills, and complicated logistics of dog ownership came along with it. Not that it would’ve changed my decision--I knew owning a dog is a big, ongoing responsibility--but there were a few things my research didn't prepare me for.
Now that I’ve been a dog mom for a while, I want to share some of my wisdom with future pet parents so they can be more prepared. One invaluable resource I discovered is a service called Koala Health that can make the journey of welcoming a new pet a whole lot easier!
1. Pets are a huge time commitment
Being a pet parent is a full-time job. It takes a lot of time and effort to train them, socialize them, and take them to countless vet visits. Since there was no home delivery option, I had to drive to the vet’s office every few months to get my dog’s flea and tick medication. It was super inconvenient.
Koala Health really alleviates some of that frustration by delivering my dog’s medications right to my door. I don’t have to worry about coordinating anything or remembering to order refills because I signed up for automatic refills.
The only time I have to do anything is if I need to adjust my delivery date. It’s a huge help to be able to set it and forget it!
2. Having a pet can be expensive!
One thing that doesn’t get discussed very much is how expensive it can be to have a pet! Between buying the right food, getting the right toys, and making sure my dog has the right medications, the expenses can really add up.
I knew I needed to reel in my spending without compromising on my dog's health, so what I love about Koala Health is that it’s a free service and they partnered with my vet making this a seamless experience. While I do have to pay for my dog’s medication, I’m saving time and money by ordering through their website.
3. Understanding pet medications can be confusing
When you first get a pup or a kitten, they’re perfectly healthy, so you’d think they don’t need medications, right? Well, not exactly. Preventative medicines are necessary to keep them happy and healthy.
Flea and tick medications are the most common for dogs and when I first got my pup, it was overwhelming trying to figure out which medication was best for him and how much he would need.
Koala Health swoops in to save my decision-fatigued brain with its full-service pet pharmacy. They verified my dog’s prescription and, when it arrived, I was impressed with how it was packaged.
The medicine had my dog’s name, plus the date and time for each dosage. Not only was it adorable, but now it’s one less thing for me to have to think about!
4. Having reliable support is vital
Like with most things, there is a seemingly endless amount of information about being a pet parent on the internet. Whenever I had a question about my dog, searching for the answer online usually left me confused and more concerned than when I started.
It’s so important to have a source of reliable information and support so that you can breathe easy, knowing you’re doing the right thing for your pet. I can definitely rely on Koala Health. Their customer service is incredible. I’ve connected with actual human beings who not only answer my questions, but really express concern for my dog. I also received a handwritten note and a bandana in my first order, which was a nice touch.
The Takeaway
I wouldn’t trade being a pet parent for anything. Not only has it brought such joy and companionship into my life, but it has also taught me so much about responsibility, care, and unconditional love. But I definitely wish I’d found Koala Health sooner. It would have made the transition into pet parenthood a lot easier!
