Sara Nelson
May is Responsible Animal Guardian Month, a time to focus on the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Anyone who has ever owned a pet knows that it is a big responsibility. Pets require food, water, shelter, and most importantly love.
They also need responsible owners who will take care of them and make sure they are healthy and happy.
Some fun facts about animal guardians:
- 97% believe their pets understand them
- 78% imagine what their pets would say and speak for them
- 50% have taken time off from work at least once a week to care for a pet.
- 70% of people sign their pet’s name on a greeting card
- 58% include their pets in family/holiday portraits
- 78% think of their pets as children
- 84% display photographs of them
If you are thinking about getting a pet, or already have one, you may be wondering about the important steps of caring for and giving them the best life possible.
Here are 5 steps to becoming a responsible animal guardian:
Step 1: Feed your pet a nutritious diet and provide plenty of clean water
A healthy diet is the first step toward a healthier pet. Do you know what’s in your pet’s food? A lot of pet food manufacturers appear to be failing to do their part in ensuring that their meals are packed with the good stuff.
We’re talking about high-quality meats, tasty herbs and veggies, and all-natural ingredients.
Many businesses prefer to subsidize these ingredients and use artificial flavors, and even GM components to bulk out their kibble to save money.
Related: 7 Signs Your Dog’s New Diet Might Not Be Working
Step 2: Take your pet to the veterinarian for regular check-ups
Your pet’s health is important, and regular check-ups with the veterinarian are a key part of being a responsible animal guardian.
During these check-ups, your vet can identify any potential health problems and help you create a plan to keep your pet healthy.
Steps 1 and 2 go hand in hand: Proper nutrition and exercise are essential for your pet’s health. Trust your vet!
Just like humans, pets need nutritious food and plenty of exercise to stay healthy.
Talk to your veterinarian about what type of food is best for your pet and how much exercise they need each day. Then, make sure you’re providing them with the proper nutrition and enough opportunities to get moving!
Step 3: Spay or neuter your pet to help reduce pet homelessness
Animal homelessness and overpopulation are growing issues in society today. This is also why puppy mills exist! In addition to helping reduce pet homelessness and overpopulation, spaying or neutering your pet has health benefits.
Spaying female pets can help prevent uterine cancer and other reproductive diseases. Neutering male pets can help prevent testicular cancer.
Your veterinarian can answer any questions you may have about responsible pet ownership during Responsible Animal Guardian Month.
Step 4: Train and socialize your pet
It’s important to train and socialize your pet so they know how to behave properly.
You can do this by enrolling them in obedience classes, taking them to the dog park, or even just playing with them at home.
Have a look at our dog training hand signal printables to help when training your pup!
Step 5: Be responsible for your pet’s safety
Most important of all, your pet needs (and deserves) a lot of love.
Make sure to make time for your pet each day to provide them with the attention and affection that they need. Giving them praise after following a command is basically a ‘reward’ for them.
This will keep them happy and socialized, and most importantly, will allow you to maintain the strong bond everyone should have with their four-legged friend.
Games, tricks, or simply having a good old snuggle on the sofa – this is all essential for making sure that your pet is feeling the love.
By following these simple steps, you can help make sure that your pet lives a happy, healthy, and responsible life! Be a responsible guardian for your animal in the simplest way: by being a good one.
Happy Responsible Animal Guardian Month!
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