February is Responsible Pet Ownership Month

February is the month of love, so it makes sense that it is also National Responsible Pet Ownership Month as well. If you have a dog or cat, or are looking into getting one, make sure to follow these steps to make sure your pet is getting the best possible.

Commitment

• Commit to caring for the animal for their entire life.
• Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a pet.
• Select a pet that’s best 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.
• Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation.

Invest

• Recognize that pet ownership requires an investment of time and money.
• Provide continuous access to clean water, healthy and nutritious food and shelter from the elements.
• Provide exercise and entertainment through toys and your time.
• Pay attention to your pet’s emotional needs.
• Make sure your pet receives preventative health care, such as vaccinations, parasite control and pet hygiene, as well as care for any illnesses or injuries.
• Budget for potential emergencies.

Train

• Behavioral issues are the number one reason why are animals are surrendered to shelters.
• Training and socializing our pets help make sharing our homes with them much easier.

Limit

• Animal overpopulation is a real issue in our country and all over the world.
• Responsible pet ownership includes preventing your pets from reproducing by getting them spayed or neutered.

Obey

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

Identify

• Make sure your pet is properly identified, such as tags, microchips or tattoos, and keep its registration up to date.

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.

Following these steps will not only make you a responsible pet owner, but it will have your animal loving you all month long.
 
Source: American Veterinary Medical Association, Danbury Animal Welfare Society
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