Presented by the Training & Public Programs Division Responsible Pet Ownership A lifetime of love needs a lifetime of proper care 1

2 Why do I want a pet? Owning a pet is a rewarding experience. They are wonderful, loving companions, but make sure you want one for the right reasons, and not because all your friends have pets or because you are bored. Put some serious thought into your reasoning for wanting a pet. Ask yourself if and how a pet will fit into your family and your lifestyle.

3 Why should I adopt a shelter pet? You'll save a life Innocent and vulnerable, these animals depend on human beings for their care and well-being and will learn to trust and love their "guardians.“ Less expensive than a pet store The main goal of pet stores or breeders is to make money; shelters on the other hand, are focused on the animal's best interests. Help control animal overpopulation Adopting an animal from a shelter means you are helping, and not contributing to the pet overpopulation problem. Unconditional love A rescue knows when they have been saved. These animals are grateful and loyal, and tend to be unconditionally loving.

4 Being a pet parent is a lifelong commitment. When adopting a pet, you are making a commitment to care for an animal for the rest of his/her life—that could mean 10 to 15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for cats. Know that as you go through lifestyle changes such as moves, the birth of children and new jobs, your animal will remain a permanent part of your life. If your current circumstances change, will you still be able to care for your pet?

5 Why is it important to spay or neuter my pet? Spaying and neutering are surgeries that sterilize pets and help prevent animal overpopulation. Spaying & neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. Spaying cuts the risks of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer, especially if your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle. Neutering eliminates the threat of testicular cancer, and lessens the risk of prostate disease. Spaying and neutering can make an animal more affectionate and less likely to bite. Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Females in heat often cry and show nervous behavior. Neutering male pets makes them less likely to run away. Neutering cats will keep them from spraying their territory.

6 How often do my pets need to be vaccinated? You should vaccinate you pet annually by a state-licensed veterinarian of your choice. Talk with your vet about your pet’s lifestyle, their interaction with other animals, and how much they travel with you. Specific vaccinations maybe recommended by your vet depending on your pets exposure to other animals. Keep in mind that by law, the City of El Paso requires your pet (dog, cat, or ferret) to be vaccinated.

Sometimes pets get lost, but with the proper identification, you can increase the chances of them being found and returned to you. In El Paso it is mandatory that your pet be registered, have a collar with their registration tag, and have a microchip. (Keep information up-to-date in the databases by contacting the company that made the microchip) A collar tag is a form of identification that you attach to your pet’s collar. You can include your name, phone number, address, your pet’s name and microchip ID number. A microchip is a small, electronic device about the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the skin with a needle. A microchip is a permanent form of identifying your pet and makes it much more likely that you’ll be reunited with your pet if it gets lost or stolen. 7 Make sure your pet has proper identification.

8 Don’t forget food & water. It may sound like common sense, but remember, pets should have plenty of fresh, cool water and enough nutritious food. It is estimated that the annual cost of food for a medium sized dog is $120; for a cat, the annual cost is around $115. * *

9 Just like you and me, pets need proper shelter too. According to city code, shelter and shade must be provided for animals. Take the climate in consideration when providing shelter for your pet. Bring your pets inside during extreme weather. Remember, if you are freezing, then your pet is freezing.

10 Make sure your pet sees a veterinarian on a regular basis. Seeing a veterinarian can help prevent diseases before they become a bigger problem. The owner of an animal shall be required to take their pet to a veterinarian for examination or treatment if the veterinary office finds this is necessary in order to maintain the health of the animal. Don’t avoid your pets health needs! YOU MUST TAKE YOUR PET TO THE VET IF…. Your dog’s appetite has diminished relative to normal. Your cat has lost weight. Your dog or cat seems less active than usual, lethargic, or depressed. Your dog or cat is vomiting or has diarrhea or loose stools.

11 A happy and healthy pet needs companionship & exercise. Just like humans, pets need affection and attention. Remember, pets are living animals and not toys. You can’t leave them alone or ignore them. They need exercise every day. Without activity, your pet will become bored, frustrated and unhealthy (especially dogs). Exercise tones the muscles, helps the body and metabolic system to function properly, and engages the mind. Lack of physical activity and mental stimulation will often turn to destructive behaviors.

12 It is your duty to pick up the “DOODY!” Cleaning up after your pet is a must! According to city code, any person owning or having control or custody of an animal should not let the animal defecate upon the city's public property or upon the private property of another unless the person immediately removes the feces and properly disposes of it. In addition, any person who is walking an animal on the city's public property or upon the private property of another must carry at all times a suitable container or other suitable instrument for the removal and disposal of animal feces.

13 Respect others when you and your pet are out in public. Keep your pet on a leash. According to city code, when a pet is not on their owners property the animal must be under direct control of a competent person by means of a secure leash or by some other equivalent means of direct physical control. Do not take your dog into public buildings unless they are specifically identified as pet friendly. Do not leave your dog unattended in a public place, even if it is tied up or left in the car. Help give pet owner's a good reputation. Practice pet etiquette every time you take your pet in public.

14 Honest questions to ask yourself before adopting… Why do you want to adopt a pet? Are you ready to make a long-term commitment? Do you know what kind of pet is right for you? Can you afford to care for your pet's health and safety? Will you be able to spend quality time together? Are you prepared to deal with an animal's health challenges? Are you willing to train your animal companion? Are you prepared to pet-proof your home? Is your living space adequate for an animal companion? Is your family ready for a pet?

15 Online Resources

7968 San Paulo Drive El Paso, TX Phone: (915) Fax: (915) Questions or Comments? Presented by the Training & Public Programs Division Fred Wilson Rd. El Paso, TX (915) Phone (915) Fax