Caring for your pet

Much of 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:

• Learn about your pet's special needs - dietary, health, housing and general 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;
• Whilst unsupervised, keep your pet safely and securely confined to your property at all times;
• To minimize boredom, provide your pet with sufficient companionship and a stimulating environment;
• 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;
• To help prevent disease and illness, ensure your pet has a clean environment;
• Microchip your pet (where appropriate) and where required register it with your local council to increase the likelihood of return when lost;
• De-sex your pet at an early age to prevent unwanted offspring;
• If your pet requires grooming, do so on a regular basis;
• Many pets need to be socialised with other animals and people, particularly at a young age - give your pet appropriate opportunities for mixing with others;
• Teach your family, friends and children how to interact with your pet;
• Find suitable boarding facilities for your pet whilst on holidays;
• Respect the rights of non pet owners by keeping your pet under control while in public and by disposing of any droppings made in public areas;
• Provide your pet with love and attention and commit to caring for it for its entire life.

For more information about caring for your pet please visit the RSPCA Knowledgebase