Pet Parenting & Responsibilities
(You Don't Being Home a Pet To Ignore It)

Different Pets, Different Needs.
Dogs & cats need more attention than hamsters. All pets have basic needs as listed below. Educate yourself thoroughly in the areas of medical , grooming, training, temperament, etc. Close, quality relationships with animals are wonderfully rewarding and carry a responsibility and commitment you must be able to make.

Physical
Regular exercise. Good, proper diet. (also see medical & grooming below)

Environmental
Shelter from the elements. Outside pets especially! Make sure they have lots of room to move around. Never keep them tied up with choke chains or any other chain, cord, etc., that could become tangled, tight and choke them; or wound round and round a post where they don't have enough lead to lay down, sit down, or get to their water & food. They need full time access to clean, fresh water and food. Provide a cool place in the summer and warm, dry place in the winter or rainy season. Make sure they have fresh air. Must bring in pets during extreme weather/temperature. Prepare for regional disasters. Have rescue equipment to evacuate animals if applicable. Always have collar and ID tags on pets. Always use a leash for their safety. Keep extra pet food and water on hand. On vacations have an extra ID tag with vacation phone number . (A good idea for all ID tags to have more than one phone number to locate missing pets. Many people use their vet number or another family member's number).

Emotional
Play with your pets. Pet them. Love them. Talk to them. Give them daily affection and attention. Praise them. Be kind and patient in your training. Don't ever hit. Seek help with behavioral problems from experts before you get overwhelmed or overly annoyed. Give them your time. They are members of the family. Honor your commitment to them and keep it. Do not abandon your pets. Go the extra mile and help another pet who may be lost or in trouble. ALWAYS REPORT ANIMAL ABUSE to your local SPCA or authorities. You are their lifeline!

Medical
Annual vaccinations/shots/check ups. Spay and neuter! Millions of wonderful, loving, healthy pets are put to death in US shelters every year because there are too many animals, not enough good homes. Get their teeth cleaned. If you can, brush dogs/cats teeth regularly. Be sue to use special pet toothbrush and toothpaste (found in any pet store or vet). Pets can not digest toothpaste or baking soda. Use pet tooth-paste only! Have a first aid kit. Know where your 24 hour or emergency vet clinics are located. Read up on your species and breed of pet; educate yourself on their needs. Look for and check out changes in body/behavior/diet. If you're not sure but suspect something is wrong, don't wait… call the vet.

Grooming
Regular bath & brushing. Use pet-safe products. Professional groomer or vet for grooming needs.

The more you pay attention, the more you talk to your pets, the more you will "hear them" tell you what they need.

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