Identify your pet with a tag placed on a nylon collar. Tattoos can also be used.
Take your pet to the vet for yearly checkup and vaccines.
Spray or neuter your pet, not only to help the serious overpopulation problem, but also to help reduce the chances of cancer. Pets are healthier and happier when fixed.
Sign up for obedience class for your dog with a professional humane trainer who uses positive reinforcements only.
Keep your cat indoors. If you take them outside, use a leash.
Secure all window screens in the house to prevent escape.
Supervise your dog when he is outside in the yard.
Praise your pet constantly, especially when they are doing good things like chewing a dog bone.
Provide safe toys for your pets and play with them everyday. Always supervise your dog with rawhide bones.
Make sure your dog is fed and watered.
Brush and groom your pets often.
DON'T
Let your pet have a litter for the wrong reasons.
Leave your dog in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ride with your window down and let your dog's head hang out.
Switch your pet's food. If you must change their food, do it gradually.
Give your pet bones (chicken, pork, turkey, steak, ham, etc).
Give milk to your pet; it causes diarrhea.
Give your pet chocolate; it is very toxic.
Pick up or carry any pet by the back of the neck.
Use carpet powders or cleaners unless they are recommended safe for pets.
Try to treat your pet with over-the counter medicine.
Scream at or hit your pet.
Leave your dog chained in your yard.
Keep choker chains on your dog for everyday use. They are for training purposes only.
Leave poisonous plants around the house.
Let your pets run freely.
Leave your pet in a hot car, even with the windows open.