Having a pet makes your life better. They provide comfort, companionship – and plenty of comedy. But living with a cat or dog comes with huge responsibility, and like with any relationship, it requires nurturing. This got us thinking about what being a responsible pet owner means, the qualities that matter most and the signs which, to us, show you’re doing it right.
1. You’ve committed to lifelong care
Many pet owners will say that having a pet is like having a child and, in many ways, this rings true. You’re prepared to look after your buddy for as long as 15 to 20 years, during which you’ll be cleaning up their mess, giving up your privacy and constantly succumbing to their cuteness (“Just one more” is something you’ll utter, to no effect, at least once). But jokes aside, we think responsible pet owners do their research and think ahead about their pet’s specific needs.
2. You’ve ensured they are properly identified
If you live in England, you probably know microchipping your pet is a legal requirement for all dogs by eight weeks old and all cats by 20 weeks old. In any case, while cats and dogs have an excellent sense of direction, making sure we can be contacted should they become lost and found is essential for their safety. A collar and ID tag, in addition to the microchip, can increase the chances of getting your lost pet back even more.
3. You’ve considered whether to spay or neuter them
This may not have crossed your mind if you have an indoor cat that never leaves the home, but in many cases, spaying or neutering can have health and behavioural benefits worth considering. From an ethical point of view, neutering helps control the number of future unwanted pets that can end up in rescue centres. From a more personal point of view, research has found an association between neutering and a longer lifespan in dogs, particularly females. Neutered pets are also less likely to show certain mating-related behaviours. For example, neutered male cats are generally less likely to roam in search of a mate, reducing their risk of becoming injured or lost.
4. You give them a balanced diet
Food and fresh water will help your pet thrive, as we all know. And while you don’t need an expensive food for proper nutrition, there are things you can check to ensure they get everything they need. First is choosing a pet food that is ‘complete’ (it will say on the packaging); second is picking one that is designed for your pet’s specific life stage (e.g. puppy, adult or senior). But nutritional requirements aside, we can probably all agree that good food and the occasional treat are simply great pleasures to have!
5. You provide a safe, loving home
We think pets are part of the family. As such, they’ll need their own bed, bowls, toys and litter tray. This is even more important when there are multiple furries in the home, as providing enough separate resources for each pet can help reduce competition over food, water or toilet space and make sharing a home easier for everyone. It also means considering them when making plans, whether by bringing them along, arranging a pet sitter or installing a cat flap or pet door so they can safely come and go, where appropriate.
6. You actively care for their health
Beyond taking your pet for their yearly vet check-up, we think preventative pet care is a proactive way of trying to give pets a long, healthy life. Of course, not everything is under your control. Interestingly, some common health problems in cats and dogs, such as obesity and dental disease, can often be prevented or their risk reduced. And just by ticking off regular exercise, vaccinations and protection against parasites, you are already contributing to their overall wellbeing.
7. You set a good example
Cleaning up after dogs is basic dog ownership etiquette, yet it’s not uncommon to find dog waste on the street. So, shout out to all those responsible dog parents who do. It helps keep the environment clean and can reduce the risk of spreading worm infections to pets and people. And while we’ve all sometimes forgotten to grab poo bags when heading out, a poo bag dispenser will help set you off to a good start.
Another way of setting a good example is through dog training and socialisation classes, if and when your dog needs it. This can be for their own welfare, but also for the benefit of the community you live in. If this is something you’re considering, the Kennel Club can help you find approved trainers and organisations.
8. You make time for them
Between work, family life and running a home, the days can slip by without our noticing. Some of us may be able to tend to those things with our pet by our side, but it’s still good to set time aside to simply be with your furry friend. There are few things in the world your cat or dog would rather do than be with you. And with mental and emotional health counting as much as physical health, time spent playing, grooming or cuddling your pet – however long – is always time well spent.
