Dogblog note: Here's a press release from Laura Atwood of Anchorage Animal Care and Control Center:
Pet Wants You to Know that February is Responsible Pet Owners Month
If your pet is walking around with a check list and watching you closely this month, that's because she's making sure you are a Responsible Pet Owner – and who can blame her? So...want to know what might be on that check list?
• Everyone in the family, including children, treat their animal companions kindly and have been taught to understand how dogs and cats communicate.
• Basic training for all dogs, plus mentally and physically challenging sports for high-energy types (agility, K9 Nosework, rally obedience, flyball...).
• Daily play time with you for all animal companions.
• Exercise, exercise and more exercise! Even old dogs like a stroll around the neighborhood and cats can learn to walk on a harness.
• When was the last time your pet saw his veterinarian for a check-up or preventative work such as a teeth cleaning? And is he up-to-date on vaccines?
• Will your pet make it home if she accidentally gets lost? All pets should have a collar with identification and a microchip. Is your contact information current?
• Don't embarrass your pet by not following local ordinances, like a dog license for dogs 4 months of age and older who live in the Municipality of Anchorage, keeping her safely on leash, and picking up that poop.
• Spaying and neutering isn't just for cats and dogs. Spay and neuter your rabbits and ferrets too.
• Nutritious food and fresh water. And not too many treats so that the waist line stays trim.
• Is there an emergency evacuation kit packed for your pet...just in case?
Anchorage Animal Care and Control is the open-admission shelter serving the Municipality of Anchorage. In addition to caring for and re-homing homeless animals, AACC enforces Municipal Code 17 to ensure the humane care and treatment of animals.
Alaska Dispatch Publishing