Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership from the AVMA

We at Veterinary Ophthalmology Services love pets, and we know you do too!  However, love isn’t the only thing  you need to keep your pet happy and healthy.  The American Veterinary Medical Association has created a list  for responsible pet ownership to ensure you and your pet remain life-long companions.

  1.  Commit
    • Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a pet.
    • Select a pet that is best suited for 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.
  2. Invest
    • Recognize that pet ownership requires an investment of both time and money.
    • Make sure your pet receives preventative health care (vaccinations, parasite control, etc.), as well as care for any illnesses or injury.
    • Budget for potential emergencies.
  3. Obey
    • Clean up after your pet.
    • Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control.
    • Do not allow your pet to stray or become feral.
  4. Identify
    • Make sure your pet is properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and keep the registration up to date.
  5. Limit
    • Do not contribute to our nation’s pet overpopulation problem: limit your pet’s reproduction through spay/neuter, containment, or managed breeding.
  6. 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 veterinarian.

 

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