Author: Amy Holloway
April is National Pet Month and is all about promoting responsible pet ownership, so we’ve put together a list of 12 things we think make a responsible pet owner.
In Part 1, we’re going to cover some of the essentials from when you pick your new pet up – microchipping, pet insurance, car safety, socialisation and training.
PART 1 – From the beginning
Microchipping & Pet ID Tags – tell the World they’re yours!
When you take ownership of any pet, you are becoming their guardian, carer and lifelong companion. Being a responsible pet owner is giving your pet the best chance of being reunited with you as quickly as possible if they go missing. So many pets have to be re-homed every day when their owners can’t be located and that’s why this is number one on our list. Make it a priority to get your pet microchipped, and if they go outdoors ensure they wear a collar and ID tag. Read more about microchipping.
Pet Insurance – so they can get the treatment they need
Should your pet become ill or be involved in an accident, pet insurance can be the difference between getting your pet the care and treatment they need rather than the treatment you can afford at the time. With so many different providers and types of cover available, it’s important to make sure you read the small print and policy documents before taking out pet insurance so that you know what is and isn’t covered. Read our advice on the different types of pet insurance.
Car safety for you and your pet – protect your precious cargo
Wherever you are travelling to with your pet in the car, vehicle safety is paramount. You can buy a range of seat belts, crates and gates for dogs, and specific pet carriers for cats and rabbits. Always follow the manufacturer’s or seller’s guidelines on how to fit and use each piece of equipment. Pet car safety is as much about protecting you as well as your pet if you were to have an accident. It’s also a legal requirement to properly restrain your pet whilst driving and failure to do so could result in a fine and points on your license. Find out more about driving with your pet.
Training & socialisation – introduce
Every pet should ideally be socialised from an early age so that they can be handled by different people including a vet, be around children and other animals and be in different situations without a problem. The key is to get your new pet used to as many different sights, sounds, smells, textures, people and animals as you can when they are young so they aren’t afraid of everyday situations. Some vets offer puppy classes and most should be able to give you socialisation advice.
Training is especially important for dogs so that they grow up to be friendly and responsible members of the community. This will also make it easier for you to control your dog in public especially if they start to misbehave or become frightened.
Read Part 2 – Preventative Healthcare
Contact our team if you would like to discuss any of our pet care or ownership advice.
National Pet Month is is a registered charity, with the unique aim of bringing animal welfare charities, professional bodies, pet businesses, schools, youth groups and pet lovers together to raise awareness and campaign for responsible pet ownership.