February is Responsible Pet Ownership Month
Being a responsible pet owner isn’t just about following some rules. It’s really about being a loving and caring pet owner. And what better month than February to celebrate love?
Here’s how to be a responsible [loving, caring] pet owner:
- Choose a pet wisely based on your schedule, budget, and living environment. Consider the pet’s physical and behavioral needs.
- Discuss the responsibility of pet ownership with a veterinarian as soon as possible after bringing a new pet home.
- Establish a preventative health care program for your pet that includes regular checkups, vaccinations, dental care, parasite control, and reproductive options.
- Feed a pet food that is appropriate for your pet’s age, nutritional requirements, activity level, and special health needs.
- Provide your pet with fresh water at all times, cleaning the bowl daily.
- Provide your pet with daily exercise, according to your pet’s age and physical condition.
- Spend time with your pet every day to develop a positive human/animal bond and to teach your pet “social skills.”
- Begin your pet’s training early, starting with basic house training and proceeding to obedience training when your pet is ready.
- Learn how to detect signs of pet illness and always follow the expert advice of your veterinarian.
- Obey local ordinances and leash laws. Be a good pet neighbor.
- Provide adequate shelter and protection from the elements (think: heat, cold, rain, snow, hailstorms, hurricanes, plagues of locusts.) Are you able to let your pet live indoors with you?
- Do not leave your pet in a parked vehicle during the summer.
- Have an emergency plan in place that includes your pet, if you ever have to evacuate the area.
- Have your pet microchipped with a permanent pet ID, like HomeAgain.
- Protect your pet with veterinary pet insurance, so you can make the best medical decisions for your pet, and get help paying vet bills.
Questions? Please Contact Us today!
Tips 1-10 borrowed from Ralston Purina Company, “The Pet Owner’s Checklist,” 1994.
Image by Snapwire via Pexels.com.