Pet Owner Responsibility

Sometimes I just have to write about something that really bugs me. Today is one of those times. I just want to know why some people think they can dispose of their pets like an old piece of trash. You know what I mean: the sack of kittens abandoned along side the road or the puppy found drowned in the river. Not only does it really bother me when people treat their pets with such a flippant attitude, but is also breaks my heart.

The fact of the matter is that pets are a long term commitment. Properly cared for, cats and dogs can live into their 20s, and if you are not ready for that kind of an obligation, it is best not to adopt one at all. If you put it in context, the act of adopting a cat or dog that might live into their twenties is not so different than that of bringing a child into your home. The time commitment is similar and both need dedicated care. It is not enough to fall in love with a kitten or puppy and have good intentions to provide him or her with a good home. You must be prepared: emotionally and financially.

We have all seen or read something about the overpopulation of animal shelters. One of the most important aspects of pet owner responsibility is the willingness to get your pet spayed or neutered. Kittens and puppies are adorable. There is no doubt about it. But kittens and puppies quickly become cats and dogs and many people no longer find them so cute. A home that can easily support one cat or one dog suddenly is overwhelmed with anywhere from four to twelve new animals. When the owner realizes that five, six, or seven cats or dogs are too many for his or her modest home and there are no more phone calls from people wanting to adopt those babies, where do they end up? The local animal shelter. If they get lucky, they are eventually adopted, but if they aren't so lucky their lives are ended before they have even begun. It is sad, but many times the truth.

There are a host of other issues that come along with pet ownership: medical, behavioral, spatial, nutritional, and social just to name a few. I highly recommend anyone who is considering getting a pet, whether it is a cute little parakeet in a bird cage or a St. Bernard, to seriously consider not only the rewards of pet ownership, but also the consequences. For issues that you should consider, but never even thought about, review this handy little "Pet Owner's Pledge," and if a flesh and blood pet seems too much responsibility, consider a virtual pet, like the ones available here.