Responsible Pet Care
Consider Your Responsibilities Before Acquiring A New Pet!
Before acquiring a pet, we must ask ourselves, do we have the time, and patience to care for, train, and exercise a pet?
Each year, Pine Bluff Animal Services receives many animals at the shelter because people acquire these animals without considering the responsibilities that come with owning a pet.
One must consider that a pet places an additional burden on the household budget for food, grooming tools, collars, leads, flea and tick control, yearly checkups and shots by veterinarian, worming when necessary, and emergency medical treatment. Pets should be spayed or neutered for their own health, and to help in preventing the animal population explosion our city is facing today.
Pets should receive fresh food and water daily. They need to have proper housing. Most pets are happier and safer when kept at home, receiving the family’s love and affection. A collar and license tag should be worn by your pet, in case you pet should become lost. He cannot speak for himself, so you must speak for them by having them wear proper identification.
Why Spay or Neuter?
Because of pet overpopulation, approximately 8,000,000 pets will be abandoned and condemned to die in animal shelter facilities across the United States. Figures show that pet owners, who allow their pets to breed at will, are responsible for more than 70,000 puppies and kittens being born each day in the United States. Many of these animals will suffer from loneliness, starvation, disease, extreme changes in weather, wounds, poisoning, etc., and death may be the only peace these animals will ever know.
If you care for your pet, spay or neuter them. Do not let your pet or their offspring be one of the millions of stray and unwanted animals. It would be far better for them never to have been born. We can stop this problem. It is up to us to have our pets spayed or neutered.
Pets Need Veterinary Care
Each year, many pets find themselves unwanted because they require veterinary care. Some owners neglect to give their pet’s proper veterinary care. A responsible owner realizes the importance of veterinary care. They make sure their pet receives a yearly checkup, vaccinations, worm checks, etc., and if the pet should become sick or injured, they take their pet to a veterinarian. Your pet is a loyal, loving friend; a living creature that feels discomfort and pain just as you do. They deserve proper veterinarian care to prevent suffering.
Pet Collars
Each year, animals suffer from the improper use of a restraining collar. When your pet’s restraining collar does not fit properly or a restraining device is used such as a stocking, rubber band, chain, wire, etc., your pet may suffer from choking or from the collar imbedding itself into its neck, causing pain and injury. Only collars made for your type of pet should be used. When using a collar for your pet’s rabies tag, license tag or as a restraining device, the collar should fit comfortably around your pet’s neck. Puppies and kittens should have their collars checked at least once a week, because they grow rapidly during their first year. If you are not sure about the proper fit of your pet’s collar or the proper type, check with your veterinarian.
Protect Your Pet from Summer Heat
Do not let your pet suffer from the summer heat. Protect your pet by making sure it has a well-ventilated, shady area to go into and plenty of cool fresh water to drink. Never leave your pet inside a parked car during hot summer days. The temperature inside a car can reach an unbearable 160 degrees in a matter of minutes on a hot summer day, causing your pet to suffer a heat stroke.
Protect Your Pet in Winter
Outside pets also need a warm, dry, draft-free place to stay during the cold winter months to protect them from the extreme changes in weather. Your pet’s water bowl should be checked several times a day during cold weather, as water tends to freeze as temperature drops. Puppies and kittens need special care during cold weather. They should be kept warm and dry in a draft-free area. Old and sickly pets should be kept indoors when the weather is cold.
Don’t Leave Pets Behind
Never vacate your home and leave pets behind or set them loose. It is inhumane, irresponsible, and illegal. If you move and leave your pet indoors or release them outdoors, state criminal animal cruelty laws may apply (e.g., abandoning or neglecting your pet), even if you believe you have left sufficient food and water for your pets. If you leave pets behind and have arranged for someone to periodically check on them, you may still be in violation of criminal animal-cruelty laws. In addition, the property owner may have your pet removed from the premise, which can leave your pet at risk with an uncertain future that may include mental and physical abuse or possible death. When faced with moving, evictions, or foreclosures please ensure that your pets are safe and that you do not face a possible criminal investigation and possible charges for abandoning or neglecting them. Contact Pine Bluff Animal Services and arrange to either bring your pet to the shelter or have it picked up. By following these simple steps, this will help you, your family and your pets have a better future.
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