You're scrolling through countless pictures of adorable pets on the internet and find yourself suddenly deciding to adopt a pet. You just need to convince your family/those you live with, and here's how.

Tempt them

If pictures were enough to convince you to adopt a pet, they must be enough to convince others of the need for a pet too. Technology and targeted advertisements on social media make the convincing easier; just discreetly enable notifications for pet-adoption pages from your family members' or housemates' social media accounts, and technology will do its thing and suggest adopting a pet for them.

You may also try to foster a friends' pets that you have carefully selected based on how good-natured they are, and casually show the wholesome animals to the people you live with. You could also mention how winter is a great time for pet adoption. There are countless animals deserving of love who shiver in the cold because they have no home to return to.

Showcase your sense of responsibility

If your sense of responsibility is brought into question, you could start off by taking up other smaller responsibilities around the household, which will gradually add up to your rapport.

For example, you may buy a sapling from a local nursery, show off your green thumb, and brag about how you never forget to water your plant despite any and all other work you may have. However, plants do take time to grow; if you want more immediate proof of how responsible you are, you could try to successfully babysit a baby cousin. How hard can it be? Just use candy as a reward for getting homework done and going to sleep on time. Maybe even factor in the meals and hydration levels and you're now a professional level babysitter.

Does this coincidentally sound similar to how to treat a pet? Absolutely not. No, you'd be much nicer to your pet.

Demonstrate their role in the household

The key to being a good pet parent is to have the ability to teach your pet to be a good boy/girl. You could casually bring up how your pet could be the best companion for both you and your housemates or family members.

You could also explain how, with the right amount of care and love, pets can understand humans better than other humans can. Who would not want a best friend who instantly understands if you're having a bad day, without you even having to say anything, and actively tries to cheer you up?

These should be enough to convince anyone to get a pet. However, it is important to note that pets are not commodities, and should only be adopted once everyone is onboard. Make sure you've properly convinced everyone involved so that you do not have to give back the pet, maybe just after they've gotten used to you.

Bushra Zaman likes books, art, and only being contacted by email. Contact her at bushrazaman31@yahoo.com