We help offset the cost of urgent medical care for ownerless victims of animal abuse and neglect. But we also promote responsible pet ownership. Below are great guidelines from the AVMA:

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Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. The benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities. These include:

 

• Lifelong care of the pet. This means committing to the relationship for your pet’s entire life.

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• Selecting a pet that is suited to your home and lifestyle and avoiding impulsive decisions.

 

• Recognizing that owning a pet(s) requires an investment of time and money.

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• Keeping only the type and number of pets for which you can provide an appropriate and safe environment. This includes appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.

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• Ensuring pets are properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and that their registration information in associated databases is kept up-to-date.

 

• Adhering to local ordinances, including licensing and leash requirements.

 

• Establishing and maintaining a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

 

• ​​Providing preventive (e.g., vaccinations, parasite control) and therapeutic health care for the life of your pet(s) in consultation with, and as recommended by, your veterinarian.

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• Socialization and appropriate training for your pet(s) to facilitate their well-being and the well-being of other animals and people.

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• Preventing your pet(s) from negatively impacting other people, animals and the environment. This includes proper waste disposal, noise control, and not allowing pet(s) to stray or become feral.

 

•  Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to your pet(s)’ age, breed, and health status.

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• Include your pets in your planning for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation plan.

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• Making arrangements for the care of your pet when or if you are unable to do so.

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• Recognizing declines in your pet(s)’ quality of life and making decisions in consultation with your veterinarian regarding appropriate end-of-life care (e.g., palliative care, hospice, euthanasia).

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Remember your pet relies on you for everything in its life. Don’t let him/her down.

https://www.avma.org

 

 

Introduction:

It is heartbreaking to think of losing a beloved pet, but what if that beloved pet lost you?  Is there a plan? Who would become your pet’s caretaker? Do they know how to take care of your pet? Will they know you’re your pet’s quirks and personality traits? It’s a very scary though, yet it’s something we should all prepare for. Get started by       reading this ASPCA article titled ‘Planning Your Pets Future’                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Planning Your Pets Future..                                                                                                                           

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Follow these simple steps provided by the ASPCA to begin the process of creating a plan to ensure that your pet is always cared for, even after you’re gone.

Step 1: Carry a Pet Alert card in your wallet.

This card will alert authorities that you have a pet at home and list two emergency contacts for them to notify if something happens to you.

Step 2: Create a Pet Dossier for each pet in your care.

A Pet Dossier is a document containing pertinent information about your pet that would be valuable to a potential guardian and/or caregiver in your absence. Even if you don’t have a plan in place for the future care of your pet, this information is vital to helping your pet find a new home faster. Some examples of information to include are:

1. Habits

2. Food preferences

3. Medical conditions and medications taken

4. Veterinary information and records

5. Behavior around other pets/people/children

Your Pet Dossier should be kept in a safe but accessible place with your other important papers and copies should be distributed to all parties in your pet’s circle of care.

Step 3: Decide on an Informal or Formal Arrangement for your pet’s future care.

There are many options available when planning for the future care of your pet. Please see the link provided for more information.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/planning-for-your-pets-future/getting-started