Being a responsible pet owner is understanding what your pet needs and also being aware of what your responsibilities are to the community. Following are some basic rules for pet care:
- Provide your pet with an adequate balanced diet and ensure it has access to clean, cool drinking water at all times;
- Regularly exercise your pet according to its needs;
- Train your pet using kindness and positive reinforcement;
- Provide appropriate housing and location for your pet;
- While unsupervised, keep your pet safely and securely confined to your property at all times;
- Protect your pet’s health by taking it to a vet whenever health problems arise and by ensuring all necessary vaccinations and treatments are up-to-date;
- Microchip your pet (where appropriate) and where required register it with your local council to increase the likelihood of return when lost;
- Spay or neuter your pet at an early age to prevent unwanted offspring;
- Groom your pet on a regular basis;
- Many pets need to be socialized with other animals and people, particularly at a young age;
- Provide your pet with love and attention and commit to caring for it for its entire life.