February is Responsible Pet Owners Month, which stresses the importance of taking responsibility for any pets in your care.  That responsibility comes in many different forms.

1)      Being a responsible pet owner means thinking it through before bringing a pet into your life.  Do you have the room for proper housing for the animal?  Do you have time for the animal?  For example, if you live in a small apartment and work 10-12 hours a day, you probably shouldn’t consider a high-energy dog (such as a border collie).

2)      Being a responsible pet owner means providing the basic necessities for that species.  This typically includes providing a proper diet, fresh water, and shelter.  It also includes exercise.  For example, providing a yard for your dog to run in, or taking it for a daily walk.  Certain caged animals need time out of the cage to run and play.  Exercise is important for the animal physically and mentally.

3)      Being responsible for a pet includes basic preventative veterinary care.  All pets should see a veterinarian for a thorough well-care exam at least annually.  Dogs and cats should be spayed or neutered as soon as age and health allows for their future health, and to help the pet overpopulation.  Dogs, cats, and ferrets require certain vaccines every year despite their lifestyle.  Be sure you can afford the basic care your pet would require.  Also, recommended is developing a plan should your pet become seriously ill or injured.  To what extent would you treat, and how would you acquire the funds to pay for the care?

4)      Being a responsible pet owner means following-through with your pet.  Many times pet owners lose a job, have to move, etc, and are unable to keep their pet.  Unfortunately, many pets are found wondering the streets or in vacant homes.  Pets should be re-homed or surrendered to a shelter or humane society when this situation arises.  They deserve to be properly cared for, not to have to search for food, fight the elements, or wait for someone to show up and find them.

Some species of animals live 15-20+ years….are you up for that commitment?