February is Responsible Pet Ownership month. I’m thankful Mom is a responsible dog mom. Many pets are not so lucky. So what are some things that make an owner responsible? Consider these points before getting a new pet.
- Adopting a pet should be like adopting a human, it is for life, not for a short time of fun. A sad example is that many of the pets that were adopted during the pandemic have been returned because they were not a good match for the family, too much work or cost to much money to care for.
- Pets are a big responsibility, do you have the time, desire, and financial means to care for a pet properly?
- Before bringing home a new pet, find out what the needs for that pet are. A cute puppy or kitten will be a grown dog or cat in a short time. Will it fit in with your home and lifestyle?
- How many pets will work in your home? Pets cost money, some more than others. Can you afford to care for them for their entire lifetime? They will need food, treats, toys, beds, veterinary care and more.
- Depending on the pet you adopt, you will need to provide training and socialization. These things are ongoing, not a one time training.
- Your pets need to have proper preventative health care, identification in case they go missing, and proper exercise and mental stimulation.
- In the event of an emergency, disaster, or if you are not able to care for your pet(s), you need to have a plan in place. The furry friends can’t simply be left alone.
- As pets age, or if they have an illness or injury, you need to be prepared to decide what is best for the pet, including letting them go.
- Pets are a commitment and that includes love. We love unconditionally, and you need to be able to love us back.
Pets are a wonderful addition to a home as long as you are prepared for the commitment to responsible pet ownership. We are a lot of work, time, and money, but at our house, Mom says no question, we are worth it. It is sad when we see pets that are not well cared for and don’t have a very good life. The four of us are lucky to have a loving home that cares for all our needs.
I’m joining Brian’s Home Blog in the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
Everything you say is so true and the best part is the love♥
Love makes the world go round and it makes everything so much better!
well said… pets are the best friends and we should treat them likw that…always and furever
Always, not just when we are young and new.
I wish all adoption agencies would hand out this list to people when they adopt a pet.
They really should screen people and let them know what they are in for, especially if it is their first pet.
Excellent information and very timely reminders, as we will be adding a new girl to our “pack” in mid April!
Nelson says your boy is going to love that!
Oh dear me I 100% agree. I will never NO NEVER understand the thinking about pet owners think being a ‘RIGHT now Owner” is acceptable. Pets are forever!
Hugs Cecilia
How anyone can give up their pet is beyond all of us. Mom says we would all live together in the car before she would give us up.
Those really are great and serious considerations for bringing a newbie home. Thanks for joining Angel Brian’s Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
A lot of people only see the good times and when we grow up and start costing more money, we get forgotten by some people and that is not right.
What a great post driving home the importance of thinking long and hard before adopting a pet!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
As you guys know, not every pet is a walk in the park. There are medical emergencies and issues, food costs, not always getting along with other pets, but you have to be in it through thick and thin. The good times far outweigh the bad but things happen, and we can cost a lot of money.
Wonderful post about ‘pet responsibility ~ one of my worst nightmare’s is ‘pet abuse’ ~ Humans can be so cruel ~ hugs to you sweet doggie and Mom too ~
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Mom can’t stand to even hear about that. How can people be so cruel, but there are people that abuse other people too.
Perfect information that should be given to anyone adopting a companion animal, any companion animal.
People need to really think it through as we are a long term commitment that sadly many give up when the going gets tough, or they get bored because we are not puppies anymore.
This is an excellent post. I know I do not have time to deal with a dog at this time in my life, so I do not have one. We have as many cats as we can care for and are committed to not bringing in more unless one of these “crosses the bridge.”
Cats are easier to live with if you are busy as they can be home alone and amuse themselves. Dogs are a lot more work.
Your Mom is super about pet responsibility. We’re stunned at the number of dogs in rescue where the human didn’t bother to do basic research on the breed and decided they weren’t a good fit. Puleez, it’s unbelievable!
That is so sad. So many get a puppy for the kids and the kids lose interest and the dog gets ignored until they bring it back. We hate seeing that.