Responsible Pet Ownership Guide and Resources
Being a responsible pet owner is much more than just providing adequate water, food, and shelter for you pet. Because our pets can’t speak for themselves, we each take on a responsibility as owners to advocate for them and provide the support and resources they need to live healthy, happy lives. Providing that support begins even before you bring a pet home.*
Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership
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 received preventative 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 unsocialized
Identify
- Make sure your pet is properly identifiable (i.e., tags, microchip or sterilization tattoo) and keep its registration up-to-date
Limit
- Don’t contribute to our nations pet overpopulation problem: limit your pet’s reproduction through spay/neuter, containment or manage 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 your veterinarian
