February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month, but what does “responsible” mean when it pertains to pets?  The dictionary defines ‘responsible’ as “having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one’s job or role.”  So, it stands to reason that a responsible pet parent has control over the care of their pet and it is their sole duty to provide that care – not the city or the county or any other form of government or charity – the pet owner is responsible.

So, what is your specific legal obligation as a pet owner?  Would it surprise you to know that the law only requires reasonable accommodations for the care of a pet including some sort of shelter and access to food and water?   A pet “owner” is not required to allow their pet access inside the home – only to provide shelter. But for those of us who have enjoyed the companionship of dogs and cats, who enjoy snuggling on the couch or in bed, does that seem to be the responsible and humane thing to do?  Why bother getting a pet if it isn’t going to be treated like a member of the family?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) lists Guidelines for Responsible Pet Owners that includes, among others, the lifelong care of a pet and recognizing that a pet requires an investment of time and money (you can access the complete list here – https://www.avma.org/policies/guidelines-responsible-pet-ownership).  So, let’s break that down.

Lifelong care, as HHF sees it, means you provide care for duration of the animal’s life, including yearly check-ups, vaccine boosters, spaying/neutering as soon as your pet is old enough, and providing crucial dental check-ups and cleanings, as well as emergency care when warranted.  It also includes making tough decisions as the quality of your pet’s life declines. This level of care requires having a relationship with a veterinary professional you trust and feel comfortable talking to. Having lost several elderly pets over the last few years, I have relied on my veterinarians, not to tell me when it’s time to let go, but to confirm what I already know in my heart.  I can’t count the times I have asked a veterinarian, “if this was your pet, what would you do?” But, their answer is meaningless if you don’t trust their advice. We should all be so fortunate to have relationships with professionals we trust.

Now, on to the day-to-day responsibilities including that investment of time and money.  Providing healthy food, clean water and clean litter boxes, absolutely, but your pet also requires physical and mental stimulation and that comes from you.  Dogs need to be walked and played with. Cats need to climb, have access to scratching posts, and toys to play with so they don’t get bored. Imagine if you were left alone at home all day – no TV, no cell phone, no computer – and were expected to just sleep and stay out of trouble.  Then, your person comes home and is far too busy or tired to spend quality time with you. Many of the behavioral issues that lead to pets being surrendered to shelters and rescues can be traced back to lack of training, and lack of consistency on the part of the human. Add in neglect of that pet, intentional or not, and you have the perfect recipe for a broken human-animal bond.  

Having companion animals in our homes is a privilege, not a birthright.  If you plan to bring a pet into your home, do your homework first. Do you have the time, energy, and money to properly and responsibly care for that pet?  Can you afford doggie daycare or a pet sitter if you need to travel? If you have a family, are all members on board or will that pet find themselves back at the rescue or shelter because your spouse/kids are allergic or refuse to participate in the pet’s care?  According to a study conducted by the Animal Welfare Research Institute, 10% of all pet adoptions fails within six months of adoption –https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/study-finds-10-of-pet-adoptions-fail-quickly/ . I wonder if that number would decline with a bit more advance planning and research?

If you already have a pet in your home, are you providing a safe environment both inside and outside the home?  One of our first cases involved a curious puppy biting a lamp cord and electrocuting herself. She did not survive despite everyone’s best efforts.  Educate yourself regarding household items that can harm your pet and take steps to mitigate or eliminate those dangers.  

Do you have an established relationship with a veterinary professional and provide your pet with routine care?  Do you know where the closest pet ER is located, what their hours are, and what their payment plan is? We know it’s hard to resist a cute fluffy face, but it’s harder still to relinquish that animal because you didn’t think things through – hard on you, but devastating to them.  

Life being what it is, we know you can take all the appropriate precautions and still face situations with your pet that require outside help.  That’s what Harley’s Hope Foundation and other safety net charities like Ginger’s Legacy, Friends and Vets Helping Pets, Red Rover Relief, the Magic Bullet Fund, and others, are all about, but we can’t do it alone.  So, thank you again to our supporters and volunteers, who understand and embrace our mission to keep pets with their responsible people.