What Does It Mean to Be a Responsible Pet Owner?

By Caitlyn Gose

There are a lot of people out there who own pets. According to statistics, 66% of U.S. households owned a pet as of 2022. But just because people own pets doesn’t mean they are responsible pet owners. Some pet owners don’t even realize that they are neglecting their pet or putting them in danger with some of the things they do. 

Pets are meant to be a member of the family! They need care, love, and loyalty from you. They are a living being that is in your care and they probably love you equally, if not more, than you love them. Keep reading to learn five things that prove you are a responsible pet owner.

Making Them Part of the Family

When you bring home a pet, you should think of them as a new family member. One that will receive love and care just like everyone else in the home. Pets, especially dogs, need someone who is loyal to them and will build a relationship with them. Dogs are very loyal pack animals, they need companionship! 

Your pet shouldn’t feel neglected or lesser than anyone else in the home, they should feel like they fit right in. 

Could you imagine living in a home your whole life, that you didn’t choose, and you’re ignored or treated lesser than everyone else the whole time? Make your pet a part of the family from day one!

Caring for Your Pet

It isn’t enough to just give your pet food and water and make sure they’re alive. Regular vet and grooming visits are just as important as our regular doctor checkups. Though you may be able to groom your pet yourself, regular vet visits are something that you cannot do yourself unless properly trained.

Ensuring your pet is healthy and doesn’t have anything wrong with them is necessary for being a responsible pet owner. 

Training Your Pet

Your pet should at least understand basic obedience. Things like “sit” and “stay” are important in case of an emergency. Training your pet to listen to your voice the first time you say something is also important. 

Your pet doesn’t have to know cool tricks like “play dead” or “do a spin” in order for you to be a responsible pet owner, just make sure they are aware of the basics and are obedient to them.

Giving Your Pet the Exercise It Needs

Many pet owners, especially ones who live in apartments or townhouses, notice that their pet starts to act out or have behavior issues. This can be caused by the lack of exercise your pet is getting. 

If you don’t have a backyard for your pet to run and release energy, make sure you are taking them on walks, to the dog park, or some other activity to get rid of their energy. Having all of that stored up energy can make pets act out and destroy things, so giving them the required daily exercise they need is important to keep them happy and healthy.

Love Your Pet

It’s super important that your pet feels your love, because they love you! Give them all the pets, scratches, yummy treats, and cuddles. They live with you and wait for you to get home every single day with a wagging tail, don’t let them feel neglected or lonely. 

They are a part of your family, they deserve to feel loved and important too!

Conclusion 

Over all, it doesn’t take much except love and true care (and money) to be a responsible pet owner. Make sure your pet feels like part of the family and is cared for. That they know basic obedience and get the exercise they need. 

If your pet feels loved, gets affection, treats, exercise, and care then I can assure you that you are a responsible pet owner.

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Caitlyn is a painter, bookworm, and freelance writer from Southwest Michigan. She comes to Adeo Pets with the desire to teach others about pet safety and health. She has a deep love for animals and wants pet parents to have all the answers they are looking for! Check out her work at www.cgosecopywrite.com.