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RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS MONTH
Be a “pawsome” pet parent!
HAVING A PET IS A PRIVILEGE THAT COMES WITH MANY RESPONSIBILITIES. Pets are faithful companions and as their caregivers they rely on us to love and care for them. Responsible Pet Owners Month is the perfect time to think about what being a responsible pet owner involves.
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Most importantly, being a responsible pet owner means committing to our pet for their entire life; being there for them as they age and mature. Responsible pet parenting goes beyond meeting the basic needs of food, water, and shelter. Pets require regular exercise and playtime for physical fitness, fun and companionship. Numerous studies about pet cognition indicate the importance of providing mental stimulation for our pets. Many pets misbehave due to boredom. Though pets like routine and rituals, they also need to be mentally challenged and stimulated. Being a responsible pet owner starts with selecting the “right” pet for you and your lifestyle. Impulsively deciding to get a pet without doing research can result in a poor choice for both you and your pet.
January & February are great months to consider adopting a bird or a rabbit. Both make excellent pets for the right person.
JANUARY IS ADOPT A RESCUE BIRD MONTH
Birds are wonderful pets that provide comfort, companionship and entertainment. Many people, however, do not understand the amount of love and attention required to care for a pet bird responsibly. It is estimated that approximately 85% of birds purchased are rehomed or abandoned within the first two years of ownership.
The vast variety of breeds, sizes, colors and temperaments offer a fantastic selection of pet birds. It is so important to do research before selecting a pet bird. Find out what breed best matches your lifestyle to help create a meaningful and lasting relationship with your bird.
Do you have sufficient space to keep a bird? It is important to provide your bird with a cage large enough for it to stretch its wings. Birds also need daily time out of their cages for exercise and mental stimulation.
Another important consideration is the lifespan of birds. For example, parakeets are very popular birds and their average life expectancy is 12 to 14 years. However, at the upper end of the lifespan are African Greys and parrots that can live over 70 years.
If you are prepared and willing to make a lifetime commitment to a feathered pet check out the following bird rescues:
Southern Nevada Parrot Rescue www.snperrs.org SouthWest Exotic Avian Rescue (SWEAR) www.swearlv.org
FEBRUARY IS ADOPT A RESCUE RABBIT MONTH
Rabbits are cute and loveable; they are the third most adopted pet in the United States. Bunnies are so adorable and people often get one on impulse without knowing anything about their care or needs. They are thought to be beginner pets that don’t live long, can be caged and are low maintenance.
When people discover how much care and maintenance is really required they often surrender them to shelters or abandon them outdoors. Sadly they are the third most relinquished pet.
Here are a few important things to consider if you’re thinking about adopting a pet bunny. Rabbits live a long time – their average lifespan is from eight to 12 years.
Rabbits are indoor pets. They do live in cages but need time every day outside of their cage. It is important to bunny-proof your house or provide an area large enough for them to safely roam, explore and get exercise.
As with all pets, rabbits require socialization and enrichment activities to help stimulate them to prevent boredom.
Adopting a rabbit is a big step. For more information see the Bunnies Matter website at: www.bunniesmatter.org
