February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month
Here are a few basic tips that define a responsible pet owner. It goes without saying that being responsible means 
providing love, food, warmth, water and proper medical treatment when necessary.
- Get your pet “fixed”. Have your female pets spayed and your male pets neutered. Not only will you be helping control the world’s animal population, but you will ensure a better quality of life for your little family members. Plus, by fixing your pets, you are inadvertently ensuring that more homeless animals will not be euthanized.
- Attend obedience classes with your pet. At the very least, make sure all your pets are trained and well-behaved. This includes cats, and even smaller animal companions like gerbils and rabbits. If they have behavior problems, do what you can to figure out the problem and fix it. A happy, well-behaved pet makes for a happy family–and happy neighbors.
- Keep your pets vaccinated. After the initial veterinary visits, you should take each animal to the vet annually for wellness exams and for their yearly vaccinations. This is especially important if your pet is able to venture outdoors and socialize with other animals.
- Groom your pets on a regular basis. Try to brush them frequently. Some animal breeds don’t shed often, but it can be very beneficial to brush daily to bond with your pets. Brush their teeth, clip their nails, and trim their hair if they need it. A carefully groomed pet reflects a responsible pet owner. Check for fleas often. Visit our dog grooming supply section for hundreds of great products.
- Clean up after your pet. If you live in an apartment or somewhere with a shared yard, clean up after your dog eliminates. Pictured to the right is a popular Pooper Scooper that will make the job easier. Animal feces can carry harmful diseases and parasites that can make children very sick if they come into contact with it.