You might be looking at this question and saying to yourself, “Of course I am!” Being a responsible pet owner comes in many different forms, and with February being Responsible Pet Owner Month, we thought we’d highlight a few of these important areas.

It’s a commitment! Bringing any pet into your home requires some type of commitment that can last an average of 5 to 15 years. Before bringing a pet home, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I have the time?
  • Will I have enough room?
  • Am I financially ready for pet expenses?

While there are many more questions that could be listed, preplanning will help you figure out if you’re ready to be a pet owner.

Pet-proof your house. Puppies get into just about everything but you may be surprised to hear older pets do as well! Be sure the areas your pet will frequent are safe from dangers such as small objects that could be ingested or unstable objects that could fall if bumped into. One way to be sure is to get on their level and look for problem areas. You can’t prevent everything, but you can try!

May I see your collar and tag, please? You carry some form of ID all the time, and your pet should, too. Microchipping and ID tags are two great ways to be able to identify your pet if they become lost. Make sure to keep both of these forms of ID up to date in the event of an emergency.

Veterinary care is a must! We’re not just talking about annual exams and vaccinations (both of which are extremely important); we’re also talking about dental care, good nutrition, grooming, and spaying/neutering. Don’t worry, though! All of these things can be discussed with your vet and together a treatment plan can be made to keep you on track. Call us for help! 414-301-9113

Train for obedience inside and outside the home. Well-socialized and trained pets are able to experience more activities outside the home. This in turn leads to more exercise and mental stimulation—not to mention teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and leave it can save your pet’s life in a dangerous situation.

Last but not least … LOVE YOUR PET! Their love is unconditional and yours should be, too!