What Does Responsible Pet Ownership Mean?
My dogs Lucy (Rottie mix) and Moose (Chiweenie) would like to help share what we think responsible pet ownership means.
Owning an animal is a lifetime commitment. Make sure you can make that commitment before you decided to own a pet.
Do I fit your needs? Do you fit mine?
Make sure you pick an animal that fits your needs. Don't get a high energy animal if you don't want to exercise them and don't get an animal that isn't allowed where you are living. Dogs strive on companionship so don't make your dog "backyard dog". They need to be with their human pack. Make sure you are financially able to take care of a pet. Research costs before you go get a pet so you know the minimum of how much you will be spending a month. Consider the fact that your pet might get sick. How will you pay it?
Spay and Neuter us PLEASE!
Find your pet a good trust worthy vet and please make sure you spay or neuter your pet. There are so many homeless animals you don't want to add to the problem. Spaying and neutering your pets can also reduce the risk of ovarian and testicular cancers. That would save your pet from pain and save you a lot of money!
Mmm this pill bottle looks tasty...
Make sure your house if animal proofed. Animals can be very curious and want to taste things that seriously harm them. Make put away all cleaners, prescriptions, and deadly foods like chocolate are put up so the animals can get them. Also be aware of plants have could potentially be deadly to your animal.
Put me on a lease!
Make sure your dog is on a lease or in a fenced in area. Do not let your dog run at large. An animal running at large can get lost or be hit by a car. It is safer just to keep your pet on a leash that way you have control.
Get me an ID tag
Make sure your pet has proper identification. If your pet ever gets away from you then they are more likely to find their way home if they have an ID tag or microchip.
Yummy Food
Feed your animals a highly nutritious meals. Be aware of what the food is made up of not all bagged pet foods are good for your animal. Educate yourself on what kind of food your pet needs.
I'm bored... I think I'll destroy this!
When animals get bored they sometimes become naughty. Make sure your are stimulating your dog not just physically but also mentally! Take them to obedience classes for a good brain work out and to get them socialized with other animals. If you want your pet to be fine in a certain situation then introduce them often to it while they are young. If you are planning on having children in the future take your pet to a place with children so you won't have an issue when the new family member comes along.
Just love me.
Animals want human companionship, treat your pet with respect because they deserve it. They are not able to speak so be their voice and advocate for what they need. Your pet will thank you for the responsible pet ownership that you display and it will be worth all the hard work you put into your pet!
On May 23, 2012 I ask a volunteer and a visitor what they thought responsible pet ownership was.
Anonymous volunteer at Wake County Animal Shelter stated with is what he thought responsible pet ownership was: "There is so much that goes into being a responsible pet owner. You need to be financially ready. You need to pick an animal that suits your needs, you need need to be willing to make the commitment to that animal. You need to look at there you are in life and make sure you are ready for that responsibility."
Anonymous visitor at Wake County Animal Shelter stated with is what she thought responsible pet ownership was: "Responsible pet ownership means you have to be committed to the animal and love them unconditionally. You need to care for them and have their welfare in mind"
