A Responsible Pet Owner

What is a Responsible Pet Owner?

It's someone who helps to keep pets --and people-- healthy and happy.

Responsible Pet Owners:

Provide proper care for their pet. This includes:

* food and water

* shelter

* veterinary care

* love and affection

Protect the health and safety of their pets and their community.

Prevent their pets from roaming free and producing unwanted litters.

Responsible pet owners make good neighbors-- and so do their pets!

Why should I learn about responsible pet ownership?

Because only responsible owners can raise well-behaved pets and that's important for everyone! Animal problems affect people. The pets of irresponsible owners:

* cost taxpayers millions of dollars for animal control services each year

* spread disease

* destroy property-- everything from shrubs to livestock

* cause traffic accidents

Animals suffer, too

The real victims of irresponsible owners are often the pets themselves. Animal overpopulation, accidents, neglect, and cruelty kill millions of animals each year. As a responsible pet owner, you can help people and pets live together peacefully!

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS PLAN AHEAD

The decision to own a pet is a big one. Be sure to think before buying or adopting. Taking care of a pet is a big commitment. Be ready to honor that commitment for the life of your pet.

Choose your pet wisely

Avoid picking a pet on impulse. Instead, take some time to find out about the needs and habits of different breeds and species. Know what you're getting into, especially with "exotic" pets.

Know your responsibilities

Most communities have leash laws, licensing and vaccination laws, etc. It's your responsibility to know and obey these laws.

Prepare for your pet's arrival

* Have bedding, safe toys, etc. , ready before you bring your pet home

* Clear your pets living area of poisons, sharp objects, and objects that could be swallowed

* Remove any valuable items the pet could break or ruin

Expect some problems

Even with the most well-behaved pet, there will be some unpleasant moments. Younger pets may take a lot of time to train. Be patient, and work to correct your new pet's bad habits.

Think twice

Make sure you're willing and able to provide proper care for a pet. A neglected pet will be unhappy -- and make you miserable too! Taking care of a pet is a family affair! Make sure everyone knows his or her responsibilities. Take good care of your pet.

Your pet relies on you for:

Food

Choose food that's nutritionally complete for your pet. Don't rely on "people food" or table scraps. Ask your veterinarian for advice.

Water

Make sure you pet has lots of clean, fresh water. Change it twice a day.

Shelter

A clean place to call "home" is important to your pet's health and happiness.

Grooming

Good grooming keeps your pet clean and looking good. And, it gives you a chance to check for health problems. (Ask you veterinarian for instructions. )

Exercise

Physical activity helps keep your pet happy, healthy and trim. (But, don't let him or her run loose!)

Love and affection

Pets thrive on the attention of their owners. You'll enjoy the companionship, too.

Proper Veterinary care is vital.

Your veterinarian is a doctor, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. His or her education includes:

* 2-4 years of college

* 4 years of veterinary school

* additional specialized training (in some classes).

Each state requires veterinarians to be licensed.

Schedule regular checkups, at least once a year for a healthy adult animal, more often for "baby" animals. And, see your veterinarian any time problems develop. Seek your veterinarian's advice on how to best care for your pet. He or she will be happy to answer any questions.

More tips to help you protect your Pet's Health and Safety.

Keep pets restrained:

Free-roaming pets face many dangers (cars, other animals, disease, etc. ) and cause many problems (destroying property, biting people, breeding, etc. ). Restrain your pet at all times with a leash, or keep your pet behind a fence. It's best for all concerned.

Provide identification:

If your pet ever does get loose, proper identification can help ensure a safe return. Make sure cats and dogs have a collar with an identification tag. License and vaccinate your pet, as local law requires.

Use care when traveling.

* Don't let a pet ride in the back of a pickup truck.

* Never leave a pet in the car in hot weather, even with the windows down.

* Stop and walk your pet every 2 hours on longer rides. Provide plenty of cool water.

* Consult your veterinarian before taking a pet on a long trip.

To be a good neighbor, your pet needs proper training.

Train the right way. Affection training does not happen by accident. Learn how to do it right:

* Seek advice from a professional trainer, breeder or veterinarian.

* Read books on pet training.

* Attend training classes if needed.

* Start the very first day

You pet is looking to you for leadership. It's important for you to provide it.

* Introduce your new pet to the rules of the house right away.

* Enforce these rules every time they're broken.

Be patient.

* Expect mistakes and setbacks in training.

* Praise correct behavior rather than punishing mistakes.

* Never strike your pet, no matter how angry or frustrated you become.

Your pet is anxious to please! But it's up to you to show him or her the right way to behave.