Being A Responsible Pet Owner

A responsible pet owner is someone who loves his pet unconditionally and does anything and everything necessary to keep his pet happy and healthy.

Responsible dog owners provide for the basic needs of their pet (food, water, grooming, medical care, etc). and lavish love and attention on them.

They protect the health, safety and happiness of their pet, as well as that of their neighbours and their community.

Responsible owners prevent their pets from roaming pets face many dangers (cars, other animals and disease) and can cause many problems (biting, breeding and destroying property). Responsible pet owners keep their pets inside or control their pets with a fence, a run or a leash at all times. If their pet is ever lost, a permanent identification tattoo, tag or microchip will help them return home quickly and safely. You should also keep a current photo and current record of your dog's age, weight, height and markings. The decision to buy a pet is a big one and the commitment to care for a pet properly is even bigger. Before you buy or adopt a pet you must be 110% ready to honor that commitment and responsibility for your pet's entire life.

Making responsible pet ownership a family affair

Usually kids want to help take care of the new puppy. The fact is, they need to help! Shouldering part of the workload, both the fun and not so fun chores, is a valuable exercise in responsibility.

Together, over the course of your pet's lifetime, you will feel the worry of sickness or injury, the consequences of irresponsibility and eventually the sorrow of death.

There are no hard and fast rules about how much responsibility children should be expected to take with a pet. Even with 'my pet' there should be 'family responsibility' Here are some basic guidelines on what to expect from children;

Preschoolers: an adult should be present at all times, but he child can help fill the food and water dishes, help walk the dog, etc.

Ages 5 to 8: can fill the food and water dishes and clean up the yard without supervision and can bathe and brush the pet's coat with some occasional help. By the age of seven to eight, the child should remember to do the basics without being told - but you will still need to remind him occasionally.

Ages 9 to12: can handle almost all the chores necessary to take care of the pet: food, water, exercise, bathing, etc. A child needs to understand the negative consequences to the pet if he forgets to keep the water dish full, for example.

Teenagers: can take full responsibility for a pet including knowing that something 'just isn't right' with the dog. Trips to the veterinarian at this age sometimes lead to career choices!

Can you afford to be a responsible pet owner?

Although your actual expenses depend on many factors (did you pay for a dog or adopt a stray, purebred or mongrel, big or small, long coat or coat that needs professional grooming, indoor, outdoor, etc.) the following list may help you decide if you can budget enough money to take care of a pet properly. Don’t forget you’ll still need money for occasional emergencies and unforeseen expenses!

• Purchase price
• Vaccinations, veterinary care and maintenance (parasite control, dental care, etc)
• Supplies (bowls, lease, collar, ID tag, therapeutic chew toys, grooming products, etc.)
• Food (per year)
• Grooming (if applicable)