What does it mean to be a responsible pet owner?

What does it mean to be a responsible pet owner?

September is responsible dog ownership month, but what does it really mean to be a responsible pet owner?

We’re all pet lovers and once you’ve owned an animal, a home isn’t a home without something furry. Whether it’s a little ball of fluff sitting on the important paperwork or a larger one taking up the sofa leaving you nowhere to sit, the benefits of owning an animal outweigh anything we have to do for them.

We’ve broken it down into 5 of the most important points to be a responsible owner and explain why some of these things really are so  important.

Life Long Commitment

If you own a pet, you’ve made the commitment to look after that animal for the rest of its life. Your pet comes first. No matter what else is going on around you, that animal relies on you for food, water and shelter.

Environment

Another high priority is the environment and routine you provide your pet. Access to plenty of space for them to roam in, constant fresh water and them being safe should be top of the list. The routine is also key for their wellbeing, and for dogs this should include regular exercise and play time.

Veterinary Care

It’s important to ensure that your pet remains healthy. Not only should a balanced diet be provided but regular health checks should also be considered in the family budget. This includes worming, flea treatment and vaccinations. For younger animals, neutering is important to reduce the risk of them having ill health in their future. 

Training
 

For dogs, training is crucial for their wellbeing as well as safety. Commands such as come and stay can be crucial to keeping your pet out of harm's way. It also helps to maintain a happy and healthy home by giving them the mental stimulation they need.

Legal Responsibilities  
 

Microchipping is a legal requirement in the UK. The database must be kept up to date with the correct owner’s details. It is also a requirement that when dogs are in a public place they must display an ID tag on a collar.

If you choose to take your dog out in public and have to travel to get there, you’re legally responsible for ensuring they are restrained correctly in your car. If found not to be, you could invalidate your insurance.

These are all the musts of owning a pet, but love and affection should also be in this list. Your pet will want to spend time with you and will enjoy your company. We all know that companionship from a pet is like no other. Each with their own unique personalities, they enrich our lives and we should make sure to make time to do the same for them.

Find out more about making the decision and commitment to adopting an animal here: https://petsofthepeople.co.uk/post/pet-adoption-where-should-i-start

Find out more about training, exercising and mental stimulation for puppies here: https://petsofthepeople.co.uk/post/training-exercising-and-mental-stimulation-for-puppies