Being a pet owner comes with many benefits, the main benefit being that you have a furry companion who loves you unconditionally. However, some owners take their pets for granted, using them as a status symbol or for unlimited cute pictures. Being a pet owner comes with many responsibilities, and it’s heartbreaking when the basic needs of a pet are left unfulfilled. In today’s post, we will discuss a few tips for being a responsible pet owner in hopes that you will be able to give your pet the love and support that he or she needs.
At 911 Vets in Los Angeles, we are dedicated to the care and wellbeing of your pet. Providing your pet with veterinary care is a large part of being a responsible pet owner. We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to get your pet to the vet, which is why we offer a mobile vet clinic! Our clinic provides you with all the services of a traditional veterinary clinic, in the comfort of your own home! Whether you’re in need of an emergency vet or you just need a routine checkup, 911 Vets is the 24-hour mobile vet for you! Browse our website to learn more about our services, and contact us at 310-341-0216 to schedule an appointment today!
AVOID IMPULSIVE DECISIONS
Adopting a pet is a big responsibility, and not everyone has the time or financial means to have a pet. It’s hard to resist those adorable puppy eyes or tiny kitten purrs, but it’s important to think of the welfare of the pet before you commit to getting a pet. Adding a new furry friend to your home should never be an impulsive decision, as there is a good chance you could regret it at a later time.
Before you adopt a pet, it’s important that you first do your research and consider your current lifestyle. Different pets have different needs, and as a pet owner, you need to be sure that you can accommodate those needs given your lifestyle. For example, dogs need a lot of attention, and they need to be walked and let outside multiple times throughout the day. That being said, if you really want a dog but you’re never home, it wouldn’t be fair to the dog to leave him or her at home at all times or in the care of someone else.
INVESTMENT
Caring for an animal is an investment in both your time and your money. Smaller animals will require that you take the time to clean their cage every week, while larger animals will require time spent playing, going on walks, and grooming. As we mentioned above, it’s important that you do your research and see what sort of time commitment is required for your desired pet. If it becomes clear to you that it will be difficult to devote the necessary time to your pet, you may want to consider choosing a different kind of pet, or changing your lifestyle or schedule to accommodate his or her needs.
In addition to time, adopting a pet is also an investment in money. Pets need toys, beds, food, veterinary care, and more! Some shelters will give you a rough estimate of what the cost of your animal may be, and some may not let you adopt a pet if the cost is not something you can afford. Ask other pet owners what they spend in a month on their pet, and be sure to keep in mind any extra expenses that may occur, such as emergency vet visits.
FILL EMOTIONAL NEEDS
While some pets require that you fill their most basic needs, most pets require more than just a full bowl of food and water and a roof over his or her head. Every pet requires that their owner fill some sort of emotional need, whether that be playing for at least 15 minutes every day or cuddling on the couch before bed. Emotional needs could be anything from curiosity to boredom. It’s your job as a pet owner to recognize the emotional needs of your pet and fulfill them.
PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE
Your pet’s wellbeing is another big responsibility of the pet owner. Unlike humans, your pet cannot tell you when he or she is feeling sick. You spend the most time with your pet, therefore you know when he or she is not acting like themselves. When you suspect that your animal is sick, it’s your responsibility as a pet owner to take him or her to the vet. It’s also your responsibility to schedule appointments to have your pet’s shots updated and get them checked by the vet to help avoid any health problems in the future. Just as you would care for your own health and wellbeing, it’s important that you care for your pet’s health as well.
At 911 Vets, we care for your pet almost as much as you do, and we are dedicated to giving him or her the best care that we can give. That being said, we understand that in some cases it can be difficult for you to take your pet to the vet. Luckily, 911 Vets is a mobile vet clinic that offers all the service of a traditional vet clinic. To learn more, contact 911 Vets today!
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