In honor of National Pet Day, celebrated on April 11, 2012, take the Pet Owner’s Pledge:
I recognize that having a companion animal to love, enjoy
and respect is a privilege.
A pet is a living creature, not a “throwaway”
item.
My family and I are aware of our daily responsibility in
caring for a pet and the changes this will make in our lives.
My pet depends upon me for safe shelter, fresh water,
wholesome food, grooming, proper veterinary care and training. I will provide
these to the best of my ability.
When selecting my pet, I will consider the life
expectancy, physical characteristics and behavioral differences among animals.
I will begin to properly socialize and train my pet when
it is one to two months old.
I will control my pet’s ability to reproduce in an effort
to prevent the cruel over-production of unwanted animals that will be
abandoned.
I will obey all laws pertaining to my pet in order to
prevent it from annoying or injuring my neighbors.
My pet will be properly identified in a suitable manner at
all times. If my pet becomes lost, I will make every effort to promptly find
it.
If for any reason I can no longer keep my pet, I will not
abandon it. I will do my best to find my pet a suitable home, take it to a
reputable animal shelter, or, if no other choice exists, have the animal
euthanized by a veterinarian.
Signed _____________________________________