Responsible Pet Ownership: How could you make a Difference?

Owning a pet is not just about needing someone to play with, getting an accessory, or just for show off. Pets are companions; they are creatures with unique personalities and emotions. To survive, they require dedication to their care and commitment to their well-being and health. Indeed, having a pet is an enormous, but rewarding, responsibility. 

The benefits of owning a furry friend in our lives come with responsibilities and a lifelong commitment, these include but are not limited to the following:

• Lifetime care of the pet, which means, committing to the relationship until his last breath.
• Select a pet that is suited to your lifestyle. Owning one should not be a result of your impulsiveness and pressure from friends and family.
• Securing their health including preventive care (vaccinations, parasite control).
• Acknowledging that owning a pet(s) incurs time & money.
• Providing appropriate training, especially for dogs.
• Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to their age, breed, and health status.
• Ensuring that there will be someone who could take of them in your absence.
• Providing an appropriate and safe environment including food, water, shelter, health care, and companionship.
• Ensuring pets are properly identified (microchip & municipality tag) and that their registration is up to date.
• Choosing a veterinary practice that you could trust to facilitate their therapeutic care, well-being, and optimum health.

The decision to keep a pet should never be taken for granted. You will realize the positive effects of owning one by the time you first hold them in your hands, and we tell you, that would be one of the best feelings you could only hope for. 

As we celebrate Responsible Pet Ownership Month, we want to ensure that, you, being our partner will have an open relationship during the entire process; from start to finish. We want you to have an informed decision in terms of your pet’s medical care including financial considerations. We are here to help and guide you all the way. Together, we could make a difference, big or small to whatever pet you have in your life, whether he is covered in fur, scales, feathers, two and/or four-legged.