1. Exercise
Like people, pets require exercise. While it’s easy to fall back on the traditional walk around the block, responsible pet ownership requires owners to discover the kind of exercise their pet loves. While some dogs live for their daily walk, others may prefer a faster pace, in which case a run or strenuous hike with elevation changes might be more appropriate. For cats mental stimulation (even for a few minutes a day) can play a key role in keeping them happy. Other pets may be enriched with a variety of foods or toys too.
2. Health and Wellness
Another important responsibility is scheduling and attending regular veterinary check-ups for your pets, seeking appropriate dental care, and providing proper nutrition. Pet medical needs vary with age, so it’s important to discuss with your veterinarian what your pet needs at any particular stage of life.
Your veterinarian can also advise you on any necessary dental care for your dog and cat, such as regular cleaning.
On nutrition, you may need to consider several factors, including age, weight, activity level, allergies, etc. Your vet can help you ascertain the proper amount of food for your pet, as well as any special dietary needs they may have.
3. Training and Events
There are many fun ways to bond with your dog, from enjoying a morning walk to snuggling on the couch. Training is an excellent way not only to make your dog safer, better behaved, and more social, but also to strengthen the bond you share. pets from guinea pigs to horses can be involved in community events too!
4. Travel
It’s important to make sure there’s a plan in place for you pets if you need to travel without them. As with training, many options exist, including professional pet sitters who make daily visits to your home and boarding kennels where your pet can stay while you travel. Celebrate Responsible Pet Ownership Month by making sure your travel provisions are optimal for your pet’s safety, well-being, and comfort, as well as for your own peace of mind.
5. Socialization
Socializing your pet is important at any stage of life, from tiny to senior, and can prove a fun and fulfilling way to celebrate responsible pet ownership. Younger dogs and puppies can benefit greatly from early exposure to situations and circumstances that they are likely to encounter in their everyday life, while older dogs may need help coping with the arrival of new pets or children in the home.
6. Safety
The familiar “safety first” instruction is no less relevant in the context of pet ownership. A vital way to engage in responsible pet ownership is to ensure that your pets thrive in the most secure environment possible. Make sure your yard features adequate fencing and, if your pet spends a lot of time outside, provide clean, fresh, accessible drinking water, as well as shelter from the elements, at all times. Before heading out for a walk, make sure your dog’s collar, harness, and leash are in good condition. Make sure id such as collars, tags and microchipping are up to date!
7. Emergency Preparedness
As we have seen across the country with hurricanes, flooding, fires, being prepared to take care of your pets in an emergency is an important part of pet ownership. Emergency preparations include outfitting windows in your home with stickers notifying emergency personnel that pets are inside, setting aside food, water, and medications for use in an emergency, and preparing a pet first-aid kit and “go-bag” for your pets. In advance of an evacuation, identify pet-friendly hotels and create an evacuation plan that includes your pets.
