Taking on a pet is a huge responsibility. You have an animal that is entirely dependent on you, and that can be for years and years. They involve time, sacrifices, and money, and before you jump into pet ownership, you need to make sure you are fully committed. Here, we look at some of the things you need to think about and do to be a responsible pet owner.
Think carefully about the type of pet you choose
What kind of pet would be best for you? The wrong decision could result in both you and the animal being unhappy, so it is important to consider their needs and your lifestyle. If you are at work all day, is a big dog that needs plenty of exercise and companionship a good idea? Your pet should improve your life – but you should also be improving theirs.
Make sure that your pet is trained
Early training and social conditioning are extremely crucial in ensuring that pets grow up to be confident and happy in their surroundings. Young animals have an optimum training period from the time they are born until they are approximately 16 weeks old, during which they require specific experiences. Once they have passed through this time of vulnerability, fresh experiences may cause them to become fearful or aggressive.
Even if you have taken on an older animal, you can still ensure that your new pet has a full introduction to its new environment and all of the people that live in it. You also have a responsibility to ensure that your pet can be trusted in the company of other people and their animals.
Register them at the vets
You need to register your pets at the vets for a multitude of reasons. First of all, they will need annual vaccinations to keep them safe from certain diseases. The vets can also give advice and treatment for routine issues such as fleas and worming. And, while most vets will take any animal in an emergency, it is always a good idea to have a vet that you trust for those situations. On the subject of emergencies – you may want to consider a CPR for pets certification just in case one of those moments that we all dread comes up.
Take out pet insurance
It is hard to foresee what will happen in the future. This is where pet insurance comes into play. It guarantees that your pet has access to all of the alternatives available to them, whether it is to treat an emergency situation such as a car accident or to give finances for the ongoing care of a disease such as kidney disease or epilepsy. Pet insurance can provide you with the peace of mind that, no matter what the situation is, you, your pet, and your veterinarian will be able to approach the future with confidence.
Provide them with a healthy diet
We understand that there are a bewildering amount of pet diets available and that it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your pet. In the event that you are unsure of what your pet requires, consult with your veterinarian, who should be able to give a recommendation and keep you on track as your pet’s requirements change.
You will also discover, as you learn more about them, that certain pets have a very strict list of dos and don’ts when it comes to their food.