Our Naples Coastal Animal Hospital team loves animals and wants to help you have a great experience with your pet!  Owning a pet is both a joy and a responsibility. All pet owners want to do well by their pets but due to inexperience, many may not know exactly how. A pet is a long-term commitment and the following guide will help you get started on being the best pet owner possible.

How To Be A Responsible Pet Owner

• Do Proper Research

  Before getting a pet, it’s important to do the proper research. Every type of pet is different and different breeds fit different lifestyles. The pet you adopt has to be compatible with your lifestyle and living arrangements.

  For example, some breeds of dog require lots of room to run while others can enjoy condo life with no issues. Different types of pets also require different levels of care. You don’t want to adopt a pet without the ability to properly provide for them. For instance, thinking about your lifestyle…Are you home most of the day? Or will your pet be alone for long stretches? Do you travel often? Would you like a pet that can travel with you? Answering these type of questions help decide on type and breed of pet that may be the best fit.

  Owning a pet is a commitment of many years, and choices such as these shouldn’t be made on impulse but with good reflection and research.

• Good Pet Ownership

  Being a good owner is more than simplifying providing food and shelter. Your pet should be well trained, mentally stimulated, and well socialized with both other animals and people. As an owner always clean up after your pet, don’t let them roam unsupervised, and have proper tags or microchips.

  Follow all local laws concerning noise levels and paperwork such as licensing and vaccinations. Pet overpopulation is also a widespread issue so your pet should be fixed or breeding carefully managed to avoid unwanted litters.

• Financial Concerns

  Pets are an investment and as a pet owner, you need to be ready for that aspect of it. Be prepared to invest in preventive care such as regular checkups, medicine for common illnesses, specialized food (if needed), and vaccinations. Keep an emergency fund in case of more severe illnesses or changing care needs or consider monthly pet insurance to help with accident and illness expenses.

• Be Prepared For The Future

  Emergencies happen so always be prepared. Have an emergency kit and evacuation plans ready in case of an emergency such as bad weather, power outages, evacuations, or other natural disasters. Always have a next of kin in case you aren’t able to provide your pet proper care. If your pet is especially long-lived (such as certain types of parrots which can live well over 70 years) such planning may unavoidable.

  Lastly, saying goodbye is never easy but your pet’s quality of life should always be your chief concern. If illness or old age is greatly reducing your pet’s quality of life consult a veterinarian for the next steps or possible alternatives.

The joy of pet ownership comes with responsibilities. By doing the proper research for your pet and proving them with the right environment, tags, preventive care, etc. it can help you be the best pet owner possible. Having a pet can be one of the greatest experiences of your life. We can help you prepare for and create a happier, healthier, longer relationship.

Have questions or need to set up an appointment for your pet?  We’re located in Naples, Florida, providing full-service veterinary care.