Owning a pet is a privilege, but the benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.

Be a Responsible Pet Owner:

Commit

• Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a pet
• Select a pet that’s suited to your home and lifestyle
• Keep only the type and number of pets for which you can provide appropriate food, water,
  shelter, health care and companionship
• Commit to the relationship for the life of your pet(s)
• Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation
• Properly socialize and train your pet

Invest

• Recognize that pet ownership requires an investment of time and money
• Make sure your pet receives preventive health care (vaccinations, parasite control, etc.),
  as well as care for any illnesses or injuries
• Budget for potential emergencies

Obey

• Clean up after your pet
• Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control
• Don’t allow your pet to stray or become feral

Identify

• Make sure your pet is properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and keep
  its registration up-to-date.

Limit

• Don’t contribute to our nation’s pet overpopulation problem: limit your pet’s reproduction
  through spay/neuter, containment or managed breeding

Prepare

• Prepare for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit
• Make alternate arrangements if you can no longer provide care for your pet
• Recognize any decline in your pet’s quality of life and make timely decisions in consultation
     with a veterinarianRetrieved from www.avma.org