Are you a responsible pet owner?

When you think about the term “responsible pet ownership,” what do you think about?

It might be something simple, such as just looking after your pet. It might mean something specific, like making sure their dog is well trained or taking them for regular check-ups. We feel there is no single way to define responsible pet ownership but there are some key points. 

Are you capable of meeting their needs?

Adopting a pet is not all that different to adopting a baby. You are taking in a living thing that will depend upon you in every aspect of their life. This being said, pet ownership is a serious commitment that should never be decided on spontaneously. 

Do Your Homework!

Before adopting any potential pet big or small, you need to understand what it takes to keep the animal secure, medically cared for and content. You need to know about their behaviour and whether or not they will bland with your everyday life. If you are ready to adopt a pet, you need to research the different breeds to make sure you select one that’s a good fit for your family and your schedule.

Can you afford a pet?

Feeding is only one small element of the financial responsibility of having a pet. If you adopt a puppy or kitten, they will need to be spayed/neutered, and vaccinated to protect them from diseases. Beyond routine vet check-ups, there may be emergencies and accidents that require extensive care and quite often, considerable expense. Will you be able to pay these unexpected vet bills? Finally, the additional expense of caring for a senior pet is one that most people don’t think about when adopting a puppy or kitten, but they grow old just like the rest of us and often require special care.

Do you have time to spend with your pet?

Animals need interaction, companionship just as much, if not more, than food and water. These are the things that make your pet feel safe and content, and although they may not be as obvious as a lack of food or water, going without these emotional needs does a pet just as much harm.

Responsible pet ownership means never adopting an animal during times of major stress or life changes. It also means that when these things invariably occur, we need to find ways to help our pets have stability and ensure they don't feel neglected or forgotten. Depending on the circumstances, that might mean enlisting the aid of family or friends, dog walkers, pet sitters or a doggie daycare centre.

Exercise, socialise and training

These are three essentials of responsible dog ownership that no canine companion should ever go without. Felines need exercise and socialisation too but not quite to the same extent – and I’m sure many people would enrol their counter-surfing cats in obedience school if it existed.

Feed them a high-quality pet food

Good food is the cornerstone of good health, for humans and pets alike. This may be the simplest aspect of responsible pet ownership. Because of caring companies like Royal Canin, we can feed our dogs and cats high-quality pet food that we trust, food that provides the essential nutrients and ingredients they need to stay healthy and grow.

Commit to your pet for life

Before getting a pet, people who don’t yet have children need to consider their plans for the future. If having children is a part of those plans, they need to decide if they’ll be able to care for, train and interact with a pet once they start a family. If the answer is no or even maybe/maybe not, then it would be extremely irresponsible to adopt a pet.

Every pet deserves to have a responsible owner. If we choose to adopt an animal, then it is our duty to properly care for them and to make sure they have everything they need to be healthy, happy and safe.