A Guide to Responsible Pet Ownership
WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP? A lot of people use that phrase these days, but what does it really mean? And why is there an entire month recognizing it? September is Responsible Pet Ownership Month, and we wanted to take a closer look.
From bad press and breed bans, to people that ignore leash laws and wont pick up their own pets waste, someone, somewhere, felt it was necessary to highlight the importance of being responsible.
Being a responsible pet owner is not hard. It does however take commitment and a strong desire to do right by your pet, and your community.
It starts before you even adopt your pet. Having a plan and being prepared for a new arrival is a key component to being a responsible owner.
Lifelong Commitment: Pet adoption is a commitment for the entire life of the pet. You are taking on the raising and care of a living being, and they need A LOT of things! Consider your living situation, and be sure you will be able to take the pet if you have to move. This a big reason people give up their pets, and it simply should not happen.
Financial Responsibility: Many people do not consider the cost of owning a pet. a "free pet" is not a thing. Pet Food is expensive, veterinary care is expensive, toys are expensive, leaches and collars, litter boxes, and cat trees are all expensive. So is everything else. Ensure you have money for your pets in your monthly budget. If you don't, do not adopt a pet.
Veterinary Care: Just like people, pets need regular medical care. Prevention is best, so ensuring your pet gets annual exams and vaccines is very important to their health and safety. It also protects any other dogs around them, on walks, at dog parks, etc. Do not ignore the importance of the annual exam. Pets age at a rate of 5-7 years to one human year. Imagine not going to the doctor for 7 years. Alot can change. Be responsible and take your pet to the vet.
Spay and Neuter: Altering your pet is probably the most responsible thing to do. Ensuring you do not contribute to the horrific pet overpopulation problem is a big deal. It is also healthier for your pet. If you need assistance, there are many programs and shelters that have discounted or free spay and neuter programs available. Search online for resources.
Keeping them Safe and confined: Ensure you have a fenced yard or safe enclosure for pets that spend time outdoors. Ensure they have shade or shelter, and fresh water daily. Dont allow your pets to roam free outdoors. It endangers them and sometimes people if your pet ran into the street. Wildlife are also a safety risk, as are other humans.
Walking them, providing exercise, and mental stimulation: Pets need exercise and mental stimulation to get their ya-ya's out. A good dog is a tired dog. same goes for cats. Boredom can cause pets to be destructive and encourages bad behavior. Allow them to use their natural sniffing and hunting skills with dog walks and play, and kitty indoor playtime with stuffed mice or wand toys for cats.
Dog Waste: Picking up after your pet on walks is a big part of being a responsible pet owner. Leaving dog poop behind is not only rude, its GROSS. It harbors bacteria, attacts bugs, and can spread parasites and disease to other animals.
Training and Social Skills: Puppy classes are extremely important to ensure a well adjusted dog. Socialization is important for puppies to learn how to interact with other puppies and dogs, as well as humans. Basic obedience is important for learning good manners and skills they will have for their lifetime. Making the time to train your puppy and go to puppy classes leads to a well mannered dog that will truly last forever. It is also fun, and can include the entire family.
Breed Bans: Without getting into all the reasons why breed bans dont work and cannot be enforeced, they do create a stigma against certain breeds of dogs, as well as an unfounded fear in people. Why is this on a Responsible Dog Owners list? Because if you own one of the breeds that are unfairly targeted, you HAVE to be a responsible owner or face consequences that could be catastrophic to your pet. A Rottweiler or Pitbull that accidentally escapes their yard and is running loose might be blamed for "terrorizing" the neighborhood, simply because of their breed. Ensure your dog never escapes. Spay and neuter. Go to training classes. Be responsible so your dog is always safe.
For more information about what being a Responsible Pet Owner means, check out the links below:
