According to the ASPCA, each year approximately 6.5 million pets end up in shelters
across the United States. Some of these animals are strays, some have been rescued from abusive
or neglectful situations, but many are surrendered by owners who cannot care for them due to
financial stressors, behavioral problems, or other unforeseen circumstances. Owning a pet is a
long-lasting commitment which costs time, money, and emotional bandwidth. Being a
responsible pet owner means considering these things and making the choices which are best for
your personal situation. Proper planning can lead to many years of happiness together.
Dogs and cats are, by far, the most popular companion animals in the United States.
Dogs live an average of 10-12 years and, depending on the breed, some can live 16 or more.
Cats are even more long-lived, with most indoor cats averaging 15-18 years. Different breeds
have different temperaments and lifestyle requirements. All pets require exercise but some dog
breeds will become destructive when they get bored. Some animals can trigger specific allergies
and others shed fur excessively. Before you bring any animal home, consider if you have the
space to allow it to live comfortably; if you have the time and energy to provide the proper
exercise and stimulation; if you understand the specific breed requirements; or if anyone in the
household suffers from allergies that will make living together difficult or impossible.
Once you have determined what type of pet fits with your family, you should consider
resources. According to various surveys and studies the average annual cost of dog ownership in
the U.S. can be up to $4000 and up to $2300 per year for a cat. Costs are not just for food. You
need to consider spaying/neutering in accordance with your veterinarian’s recommendations;
keeping up to date on vaccinations; microchipping as required by local laws; licensing fees;
behavioral training as necessary; proper socialization; arranging for care when you are
not/cannot be home; emergency planning; and more.

Fortunately, pet health insurances is available to help offset routine and emergency health bills. It is important to shop around to find which company and policy will work best for you. Some vets will also have sliding scale programs or payment options available. Once you have chosen your pet and budgeted for care, it is time to bring them home. Pets, like people, can be intimated or frightened by new environments and people. Puppies and kittens will need to be introduced to a new environment in steps. Often this means one room at a time. Children can be very overwhelming to an animal, especially one coming from a shelter, so
teach children to stay calm and touch their new pet in gentle non-threatening ways. If you
already have other pets in the house their routines will be interrupted and you may need to deal
with behavioral issues. Have patience and remember it’s their home, too.

Finally, emergency situations can be incredibly stressful but the proper planning can
make those situations a bit easier. Just like you plan for your family’s safety in unforeseen
circumstances, you should plan for your pet’s. You can get stickers from your local fire
department to place on your doors or windows identifying what pets are inside your home. In the
event of a house fire, the department will know to look for your pets if at all possible. Also, you
must find emergency care before it is needed. This may mean a local kennel, a pet sitting service,
or a good friend you can rely on if you need to leave town with little notice. Keep a list of your
local vet contact information, the closest emergency vet, and the pet poison hotline in a
prominent spot, like your refrigerator for quick reference. In Colorado it is also possible you may
need to evacuate your home in the event of a wildfire or other natural disaster.

It is a good idea to keep a “go bag” for yourself and your pet. Place a copy of your pet’s information (owner info, vet info, medication list, microchip info, and photos of you and your pet together) in a
waterproof bag. Also place a couple days’ food, extra medication, food bowls, disposable litter boxes, and a toy or two in the bag. Anything you need to ensure the comfort and health of your
pets for the duration of the situation. Pets provide us with so much. They are our companions, our confidants, our friends. They are sources of love and entertainment. But they are also living beings with needs and they
rely on us to take care of them. Responsible pet ownership is about being prepared before,
during, and after the adoption process and for whatever life brings your way.