February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month

February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month

January 28, 2021

As pet owners or “pet parents”, many of you know that there is not a soul on earth who loves you more than your furry, or not-so-furry, friends. This month, we celebrate our beloved pets by ensuring they are fully taken care of, they’re safe, and that their total health and wellness is taken into consideration.

In what ways do we need to take care of our pets?

In short, the answer depends widely on what kind of pet you own or are looking to own. Outside of proper dietary needs and a place to go to the bathroom, there are many other things to consider in ensuring our pets are fully taken care of.

Of course, the kind of food our pets need depend on what kind of animal they are. Some animals can eat what would be considered human food and some cannot. There are many foods that would potentially poison your pet or cause them to be sick at the very least. It is imperative that you do your research when learning how to care for your pet.

Our pets have similar basic needs as we do. They need proper food, water, shelter, relief areas, and a resting place. Owning a pet can be comparable to having a child. The responsibility involved in caring for a pet is just as important as caring for another human being. Pets have feelings too, and they can sense when they are not being cared for properly.

Safety first!

Keeping our pet(s) safe is of top priority for pet parents. Pet proofing the home will help mitigate unwanted accidents or messes, at the very least. Keep foods and other substances out of reach, secure your trash, practice fire safety, store household chemicals, avoid suffocation dangers, and when in doubt – ask a vet! If you’re not sure about something, it is best to ask someone who knows more information about caring for pets.

Just like people, pets need regular health check-ups to ensure their health and general well-being. Well check-ups are necessary to keep your pet up to date on shots and other regular health necessities. What would you do in case of an emergency or if your pet became ill? Life is unpredictable and accidents happen, even to our furry and not-so-furry friends. Find out if there is a pet hospital or an emergency clinic nearby. Get information such as an emergency phone line you can call to ask your vet any questions if you’re unsure about something.

Insure your pet

Last but not least, to ensure your pet’s overall health and wellness, make an appointment with us today to talk about options for pet insurance. Pet insurance is not only a great idea for your pet, but it will help you and your wallet in the long run. Some people do not see the value in getting pet insurance, but just as with people, pets come with a wide variety of health needs and sometimes complications. Pet Insurance can potentially save out of pocket expenses for regular health and wellness visits. More importantly, however, in the likely event that there is an accident or illness, pet insurance will take care of large, unexpected, emergency bills associated with owning a pet.

While most people consider general vet bills for vaccines and wellness visits to be affordable, an unexpected visit for an emergency can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500 at the very least. Especially when these visits often require additional testing, x-rays, antibiotics, or other medication, and even surgery. With these additional needs, the bills can get upwards of a few thousand dollars. Make an appointment with an agent at Wiswall Insurance Agency Inc. to discuss your individual needs and the options available. Let’s celebrate Responsible Pet Owner’s Month together!