The following list isn’t a list of New Year resolutions for pets. No, pets are saints and do no wrong. Rather, this list is a list of things we – pets included – wish animal owners and governments around the world could do right.
Pet owners need to rethink their role
Humans need to realise that intimidation doesn’t work. It doesn’t work for humans so why should it work for animals? It’s time to rethink the ‘pet owner’ label – you’re not a child owner so why ‘own’ a pet?
Follow the European example
Pet insurance has been available to Europeans for years, if not decades. Sure, the economy isn’t great but it’s better to have pet insurance for when you need it. It could save your pet’s life. Compare the cost of operations with that of humans. It’s cheaper but could still cost a substantial amount. The frightening thing is that few pet owners know pet insurance is available.
Count on me through thick and thin
Time is the greatest gift you can give to anyone – and that includes pets. Spend time stroking your pet, play ‘catch’, and take it for a walk. Talk to your loved one and treat them as you would treat your best friend.
Whom you adopt speaks volumes about you
First prize normally goes to young animals but older animals also need love, care, and attention. Consider giving a home to an older animal or one that has special needs. You can bond just as well with such an animal as with a baby animal.
Give some of your time to others
Animal shelters could use all the help you can spare. There are many tasks that volunteers do: work in the office, walk dogs, bottle-feed kittens, and fix kennels. Find something that you wouldn’t mind doing and contact your local animal shelter today.
Are you pro-choice?
With regards to animals, that is. Spaying or neutering animals shouldn’t be mandated by law; this is a choice that each owner should make for themselves. There is evidence that spay and neuter laws affect some animals negatively – their owners may be more unlikely to take animals to vets if they aren’t spayed or neutered.
Scoop that poop up!
Few pet owners scoop their pets’ poop up when they’re walking the animal. Picking up contributes to a pleasant neighbourhood and also prevents parasites from breeding in the poop.
What’s all the fighting for?
Is it for entertainment? And can we really call it entertainment when animals get hurt for our entertainment? Attitudes need to change before dog fighting will stop. This isn’t easy to do but there are programmes out there that try to fight the good fight. Support them or start your own in your neighbourhood.
Don’t forget the cats
Cats are popular but their PR Company isn’t as good as the one dogs use. So this means that more cats go to animal shelters, or find themselves on the streets. Fewer cats have microchips and they often don’t receive treats as frequently as dogs do.
Feral cats need to be trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and micro chipped. This will ensure they live healthy, happier lives than they would live on the streets.
Author bio:
Bow Wow Meow wrote this article on Pet Insurance to give readers all the information and facts they need to provide for their beloved companions with the best possible care and attention.