PET CALENDAR
Those with animals know that being responsible for our furry friends is a daily, year-round commitment. To highlight the importance of humans’ responsibilities to animals, In Defense of Animals (IDA) has declared the month of May “Responsible Animal Guardian Month.”
According to the IDA, one purpose behind the Responsible Animal Guardian Campaign is to focus on promoting the positive actions of animal guardians.
Responsible guardians are often fully committed to humane, compassionate, lifelong care for their companion animal(s). A responsible guardian is able and committed to caring for the animal’s physical, behavioral, social, and psychological needs for the lifetime of the animal.
If you are thinking of adding a new fur-friend to your family be sure to consider the following items in regards to your pet’s needs and care:
Decide Who will Be Caring for the New Pet
Your new four-legged friend is going to need walks, feeding, playtime, baths, training. Someone might have to take him out early in the morning as well as in the evening. Pet owners may also have to spend time consistently training him or commit to bringing him to a trainer. These details should be worked out before you take an animal home.
Make Sure you Are Ready for the Time Commitment
Animals want your attention. If they aren’t getting the interaction they need, they will find other outlets for their energy. These outlets can result in behavior problems such as destroying items and excessive barking.
Find out if the Animal is Spayed or Neutered.
It’ can be responsible and healthy to spay or neuter your animal. If you have no interest in bringing additional cats and dogs into the world, you should be prepared for spaying and neutering.
Be Prepared to Tend to the Emotional Needs of a Rescue Animal.
Some rescue animals come with unknown histories or difficult pasts that include abuse or neglect. They may require some extra patience and TLC to overcome abandonment issues and fear of humans.
If you already are an animal guardian it’s important to remember to:
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.