As an adult, you  are responsible for the pets in your home, and you  must make sure that the family pet gets food, water, shelter, and adequate medical care. Many animals starve to death each year, because their care was entrusted to a child or a teenager.

 

Without adequate shelter, coat or not, a dog or cat will freeze to death in the winter just like you. Hey, they're made of flesh, not of marble. Some dogs with short coats should NEVER be kept outside for long periods during cold weather.

 

Your pet will never forget it if you do. Besides, it's unnecessary. Positive and negative reinforcement with a loving pat or a stern "No," are much more effective.

 

Give your pet fresh food and water every day. No exceptions! Your pet needs food and water every bit as much as you do. That's right--just like you.

 

If your pet is sick, take it to the vet. Again, no exceptions. Please don't try to treat the animal yourself. And remember that some medications that are great for people are poisonous for cats and dogs.

 

Your pet should have warmth, ample space in which to live...and more, human contact. A dog should never be put on a leash and kept outside away from the family. What kind of life is solitary confinement?

Temperatures rise to over 120 degrees within minutes inside a closed vehicle on a hot day. Unfortunately, a lot of pets die this way each year as do human infants.

Remember your pet lives for your love just like a child. That is their entire purpose. So give you pet a lot of love. If you do, you're guaranteed to get much more in return.

 

A collar that's too tight will cut into the flesh, causing a severe wound that can require surgery. Unfortunately, this is a common problem that humane societies see.

 

Some people seem to think the pet can live off the land. This is not true. In actuality, the animal will starve to death unless the elements destroy it first. If you're unable to find a home for an unwanted pet, please take it to the nearest animal shelter.

 

Unless your pet is a pure breed of the very highest quality, it should never be breed! Between four and six million animals are euthanized each year at animal shelters, because people failed to neuter their pet.

 

And finally, do not take that cute pet home if you have any reason to believe that you won't be able to give it adequate care. Be responsible, because a pet's life is precious--just like yours!