Responsible Pet Ownership

Owning a pet is a privilege, but the benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.

Be a Responsible Pet Owner:

Commit

  • Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a pet
  • Select a pet that’s suited to your home and lifestyle
  • Keep only the type and number of pets for which you can provide appropriate food, water,
    shelter, health care and companionship
  • Commit to the relationship for the life of your pet(s)
  • Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation
  • Properly socialize and train your pet

Invest

  • Recognize that pet ownership requires an investment of time and money
  • Make sure your pet receives preventive health care (vaccinations, parasite control, etc.),
    as well as care for any illnesses or injuries
  • Budget for potential emergencies

Obey

  • Clean up after your pet
  • Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control
  • Don’t allow your pet to stray or become feral

Identify

  • Make sure your pet is properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and keep
    its registration up-to-date.

Limit

  • Don’t contribute to our nation’s pet overpopulation problem: limit your pet’s reproduction
    through spay/neuter, containment or managed breeding

Prepare

  • Prepare for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit
  • Make alternate arrangements if you can no longer provide care for your pet
  • Recognize any decline in your pet’s quality of life and make timely decisions in consultation
       with a veterinarian
    Retrieved from www.avma.org