WOULD YOU BE A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER?

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If you have been thinking of adopting a pet, but aren’t exactly sure what that entails, perhaps this checklist will help.

1)    CAN I PROVIDE FOOD, WATER, AND ADEQUATE SHELTER FOR MY PET?

The average cost per year for food for a medium size dog is $500.00. Clean water must be made available at all times. If there is no access to a garage or a shed for you dog to get in out of the weather, you must provide a sturdy, insulated dog house.

2)    CAN I AFFORD THE YEARLY VACCINATIONS?

The average cost of a rabies shot is $15.00 and the combination shot of distemper, parvo-virus and corona which is essential runs $25.00. Remember to add in the cost of the office call as well. A small puppy or kitten requires 3 – 4 combination shots while it is young.

3)    CAN I AFFORD TO LICENSE MY PET?

Pet licensing varies from city to city. Every city in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are required by law to license their pets yearly. In some cities, sterilized pets are licensed at a lower fee.

4)    CAN I PROVIDE ADEQUATE EXERCISE FOR MY PET?

Cats can exercise every muscle in their bodies indoors, and should be kept inside and away from harm. Dogs need to be exercised according to their size and the size of their yard. Some dogs will exercise themselves in a large yard, but if yours does not, you will have to spend some time walking the dog on a leash, playing ball, etc.

5)    IS MY FENCE TALL ENOUGH FOR THE BREED I HAVE IN MIND?

Hundreds of pets are lost and killed on the street because their fence was not tall enough to keep them in. If you are considering a large breed (Irish Setter or Afghan for example), you should have a 6-7 fence. If your yard and fence cannot contain a large dog, you should consider a smaller dog or a cat. It is not good to chain any dog, as they are virtually defenseless while tied, and it eventually results in a very frustrated animal. Also, some breeds dig will out. Are you able to fix the yard around the fence to prevent digging?

6)    CAN I PROVIDE FOR MY PET WHILE I AM ON VACATION IF I DO NOT TAKE HIM ALONG?

The average cost to board a medium size dog is $25.00 a day. If you opt to have a friend come over to your house to feed and water your pet, make sure they are very reliable and will indeed care for him during this especially stressful time. It is dangerous to entrust your pet to a neighborhood child while you are away.

7)    AM I PREPARED FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES?

It is impossible to predict when you may be faced with a medical emergency for your pet. It is always best to maintain a good working relationship with your vet, so that when an emergency arises you will be working with someone who knows the history of your pet.

8)    AM I AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER TRAINING AND SUPERVISION MY PET WILL NEED?

Young puppies and kittens certainly require an extra amount of time, attention and love to adjust to their new home. If you work all day, please consider this before deciding upon a puppy or. Adult animals can usually spend and 8 hour period unsupervised. Remember - all animals need a certain amount of your time each day to remain socialized and well-mannered. If you choose a long coated dog, you also need to set aside time for grooming.

9)    AM I WILLING TO PROVIDE AND CARE FOR THIS PET FOR THE REST OF ITS LIFE?

Remember - when you take a new pet into your family, you are taking responsibility for that animal for the rest of its life. The average life span for a dog is 12-15 years, and many live happy, healthy years beyond that.