Choosing A Pet
Consider these points before adopting a pet. Responsible pet ownership depends on your answers to these questions:
• Can I afford food and medical care for this pet?
• Do I have time to care for this pet?
• Do I know the character traits of this breed?
   I.e., size of full grown pet; inside vs. outside
• Does my landlord allow pets?

Make sure you know what you're getting into. A knowledgeable owner is better able to give a new pet a good home.

Pet Identification
All pets should have identification. This is true even if you have an "indoor" pet. Indoor pets may slip out and may not be experienced enough to find their way home. Identification makes it easier for someone to return your pet to you.

It may seem like a small thing, but keeping family members together is always important.

Nutrition
Your pet should eat pet food - not people food. Table scraps can cause obesity and can make pets sick. Consider your pet's age, nutritional requirements and any special health considerations. Choose a reliable brand. Ask your veterinarian about feeding schedules. All cats and dogs should have fresh water, changed twice daily.

Training
Pet training should begin as soon as possible. This begins with discipline, such as housebreaking, and then obedience. There is no excuse for an uncontrolled pet. It takes a bit of time, patience and continued reinforcement but will make your pet a welcome and civil member of your family. Take time for reward and play to balance training.

Neuter is Neater
Pet overpopulation is a serious problem. A single cat can be responsible for more than 30,000 kittens in a period of seven years. Unfortunately, there are not enough loving homes to go around. Unless a cat or dog is to be used for breeding, it should be neutered before 6 months of age. A dog or cat that becomes a member of your family after 6 months of age should be neutered as soon as possible.
For low-income families, refer to our VetSNIP program.

Health Maintenance
Just like other family members, your pet should have its own personal health care consultant - a veterinarian. Regular health care is essential. This includes a yearly physical, vaccinations early in life as well as routine boosters and mandatory rabies inoculations.

Preventive health care also is important as your pet can suffer from diseases also common to people such as cancer, epilepsy, cataracts, dental problems, heart and kidney diseases. In addition, cats and dogs can easily contract an umber of deadly diseases if not properly prevented. These include internal parasites (worms) feline leukemia, parvovirus, canine heartworm disease and numerous diseases that can only be detected through tests.

Health Warning Signs
Spend time with your pet so you can recognize any changes in behavior or overall appearance. In between regular veterinary visits contact your veterinarian immediately if any of these symptoms occur. They may signal a serious or life-threatening condition.
• persistent diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool
• red, inflamed, runny or cloudy eyes
• lumps on or under the skin
• rashes, sores or bald spots, excessive scratching or licking
• strong ear odor, excessive debris or wax in ear
• frequent urination or excessive thirst
• tartar on teeth, bad breath
• ingrown or excessively long nails, or cracks in pads
• peculiar behavior, excessive crying, unusually bad temper
• loss of balance, limping, lameness, reluctance to move

Emergencies
Life is full of surprises and they are not always pleasant. If your pet experiences any of the following contact your veterinarian immediately. If he or she is not available contact the emergency clinic recommended by your veterinarian.
• physical injury (car accident, animal fights, fractures, etc.)
• burns, cuts, bites, open wounds, bleeding
• poisoning (identify the poison if possible)
• seizures
• frostbite, heat stroke
• electrical shock
• choking or difficulty breathing
• loss of consciousness
• swallowing foreign objects

Have Fun!
Enjoy your pet. Your pet is a member of your family who gives you unconditional love and asks very little in return. Spend at least 20 minutes a day on interaction including daily exercise. If you find that your circumstances change and your are unable to give your pet the attention they require and deserve, there is nothing wrong with giving your pet up for adoption. You may all be happier if your pet has a new home.