17 Places/Things Every Pet Owner Should Know
As a responsible pet owner, you must make sure that your pet's welfare is well taken care of.
You can meet your pet's primary needs by providing them with food, water, shelter and by ensuring their health. But not only that. You will also need to consider their emotional and social needs.
- Diet
This is the need for not just a healthy, but a suitable and age-appropriate food.
- Health
This is the need to keep them from harm, pain, injury, and diseases.
- Behavior
This is the need to learn natural and healthy behavior.
- Environment
This is the need for a good and safe shelter and surroundings.
- Companionship
This is the need for social interactions and friends (both human and animal)
Keep in mind all of these basic needs to prevent your pet from suffering from:
- Thirst, hunger, and malnutrition
- Disease, injury, and pain
- Discomfort
- Anxiety and distress
You must also remember that different pets have different needs, depending on their breed, age, and personal habits. Thus, you will need to know about the following:
Pet Kingdom
Pet! Not all animals can be a pet. If you are looking for a pet, there are many things that you need to consider.
If you want a child-friendly pet, then you should stick with dogs and small animals.
If you prefer a pet that you can keep inside a cage and teach simple languages, you should choose birds and parrots.
But if you are adventurous and don't want to stick with regular pets, you might want to try fish and reptiles.
In the end, no matter what kind of pet you choose, always remember that it's your responsibility to take care of and love them.
Pet Harbor
A large number of pets are being abandoned or left by their owners. Many of them got lost and never been found.
Thankfully, now, there are many animal shelters where abandoned and lost animals are well taken care of. Also, you can now easily find your lost pets by registering them. Moreover, you can now help pets by adopting and giving them a home.
Gateway Pet Guardian
If you are looking for an animal shelter that offers more than a home for abandoned and lost pets, Gateway Pet Guardians is the right place for you. They:
- Rescue Animals
- Do Community Outreach
- Spay & Neuter
- Offer Vet Care for All
They are open for pet adoption, or you can also donate. Furthermore, they accept volunteers and fostering. Their facilities include:
- Adoption Center and Shelter Operations
- Healthy Pet Clinic
- Community Resources
- Pet Spa
- Retail Store
Pet Supermarket
When you are a pet owner, the questions that probably will come into your mind are where to buy food or buy pet stuff and needs. But you don't have to worry about that anymore, since there are many pet supermarkets now.
A pet supermarket is a place where you can buy all of your pet's needs. Whether you are looking for pet food, leashes, collars, crates, pet shampoo, or wash, they all have it. That's why it is necessary to know if there is a pet supermarket near you.
But nowadays, many pet supermarkets are offering online purchases. You can now buy all of your pet's needs in the comfort of your home.
Pet-Friendly Houses for Rent
Do you want to have pets? Or, is your fur family rapidly growing? And now, you are starting to have a "space problem." You might want to consider renting a pet-friendly house.
What is a pet-friendly house for rent? These houses do not just allow pets, but instead, they welcome them, and the whole community is friendly and loving. Also, you can find many pet-related services within reach.
Guide on Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals
If you find it hard to spot a house or apartment that is pet-friendly, we will give you some tips:
- Inform the landlord immediately that you are looking for a pet-friendly property. You should not miss telling him/her what kind of pet you have, number, and even weight.
- Ask what pet-friendly amenities they have. Green space is essential. It can be a small patch of grass or a big field. Also, a walking and pet washing station is necessary. You may also need to consider the property size, room layout, natural lighting, ease to clean, doors and windows location, pet hazard areas, distance from neighbors, nearby and on-site amenities.
- The most important and commonly ignored is you need to know the pet-friendly house for rent policy, the tenant fee agreement, and signing a written pet addendum to protect you and your pets.
Pet Depot
If you want an all-in-one shop where your pets can be pampered, Pet Depot is the right place for you.
You can choose from their wide array of products for cats, dogs, birds, and small animals.
Services
- Dog Walking & Boarding
- Hydrotherapy & Recreational Pool
- Dog Wash & Grooming
- Obedience Classes
Pet Club
Have you ever tried joining a funded event for your pets? If not, signing up for a pet club is worth trying.
Before signing up for any kind of pet club, you should identify first what you want to achieve. No matter where you are, there are many dog clubs or kennel clubs, and cat clubs worldwide, each with their interest.
Club Activities
- Conformation
Others may view this as a beauty pageant, but it isn't. In this event, pets are compared against the standard of their breed.
- Obedience
This sporting event was developed in the 1930cs and one of the oldest. Generally, the pets will show off their good behavior.
- Rally
Navigating through a course in 10-20 minutes with different exercises, you and your dog must show good teamwork more than anything else.
- Agility
This is a fast-paced event where your pet will need to go through an obstacle course with loops, hurdles, tunnels, and other challenges that must be completed as quickly as possible.
Activities vary depending on what kind of pet you have and the club itself.
Benefits of Joining Pet Clubs
Registering your pet in a pet club has a lot of benefits, not just for your pet but for you as well. Some of them are:
- You and your pet get to enjoy exclusive perks - may include free services and care for your pet.
- Your pet can join any events
- Your pet is qualified to earn titles
Pet Taxi
If you plan to move or transport your pets but don't have the means, a pet taxi is always ready to serve you.
A pet taxi is a transportation service that is specifically made to move or transport different pets. Some of its services may include ambulance, boarding, and grooming.
No matter where you are in the world, USA, Europe, or Asia, there is a pet taxi for you.
Pet Play
Recreation and play are an important part of everyone's life, whether for animals or us. Playing helps us eliminate stress and unwind. The same goes for our pets.
Preparing various play and incorporating them into your pet's daily routine will help keep their minds and bodies active.
Benefits of Playing
- Bonding
Playing with your pet can be an excellent way to build a healthier and stronger relationship between you.
- Physical
Active play can help boost your pet's physical strength, balance, and coordination.
- Social
Playing with other people and other dogs can teach your pets how to get along. Thus, improving their social skills.
- Mental
Creating games with rules will give your pets the drive to use their brains, not only their bodies, helping them have a sharp mind.
When playing, you should not limit your pets inside your house or property. There are many indoor playgrounds or dog parks, and it's not hard to find the best indoor dog parks.
But if you have ample space and want to convert the available space into your pet's playground, it's not hard to do with the right and perfect equipment.
Pet Gear
Once you bring home a pet, you will need some accessories. You don't need to buy many. You can always add new gears depending on your pet's needs. But you need always to make sure that they are comfortable. Below is a list of gears that are essential for your pets:
- Food and Water Bowls
Food and water bowls are essential. Avoid any plastic made bowls because bacterias can easily grow on them. It is much advisable to use glass or stainless water and feeding bowls.
- Crates
Crates are useful when you are planning on going out a bit. This is to assure you that nothing is destroyed or broken inside your house while you are out.
- Leash and Collar
Leash and collar are very important gear for your pets. You will need both when you take them out for a walk or just outside your house.
You might also need a pet carrier and a kennel for when you travel. If you are not the type who cuddles with his/her pet to sleep, buying them a bed will help you both get a night of better sleep.
Pet-Friendly Hotel
As a pet owner who treats his/her pet as a part of the family, it's heartbreaking to leave them behind every time you travel.
Today, traveling with your pets isn't a problem anymore. Many hotels accept, welcome, and treat pets the same way as they are with you.
There are many pet-friendly hotels in the US you can choose from.
Also, you have a lot of options for pet-friendly hotels in Europe.
But if you want to feel the Asian vibe, you may want to look at this list of pet-friendly hotels in Asia.
If you are planning to travel with your pet and looking for a hotel to book, here are the things you probably want to know:
Hotel Requirements
While most pet-friendly hotel rules may vary, their basic requirements for pets are generally the same. Your pets must be/have:
- Clean
- Obedient and not aggressive
- Do not have fleas
- Proof of recent vaccinations
- Pet owners must use the specific areas for their pets and clean their pet's waste
Commonly, pet owners will need to sign an agreement declaring that the owner will shoulder any damages and expenses caused by the pet and acquired by the hotel due to pet disturbances.
Other pet-friendly hotel requirements may also cover a refundable deposit to protect from damages and a non-refundable pet guest fee.
In the event that your pet or your room got dirty, the hotel management may ask you to take your pet out of the room during housekeeping. They will not also recommend you to bathe or clean your pet inside the room's washroom.
Hotel Rules & Regulations
As stated earlier, every pet-friendly hotel's rules and regulations vary depending on its location, size, and budget. Below are the most common pet-friendly hotels rules you may encounter:
- Kind of Pet
Some hotels may only permit you a specific kind of pet. Others only allow dogs or cats, for instance.
- Number and Weight of Pet
While other pet-friendly hotels may welcome many pets regardless of their size and weight, some may not. Some hotels are strict when it comes to the number of pets you can take with you and how much they weigh
- Leash Policy
Your pets may enjoy a leash-free play area and a leash-free policy with some hotels. But with other hotels, you might need to keep them on a leash or inside a kennel.
- Allowing Pets in Furniture or Beds
Not all hotels have a prepared sheet that you can put on furniture or bed, so your pet can lay down beside you. Some hotels are strict and may ask you to not allow pets on the furniture and beds.
Different hotels, different rules. Still, it is much better to check the hotel's rules and requirements for pets before booking one.
Dog Walking
If it's boring for us to always stay at home, it is the same for our dogs. Just like a child, dogs need to see and know the world. If confined in the house for too long, they will tend to act destructively.
Walking your dogs can help stimulate their brain, exercise their bodies, give them opportunities to socialize, and provide good chances for behavioral training.
Also, this will be an excellent activity to strengthen your bond.
Dogs that usually slacks off and doesn't have enough exercise has the tendency to gain weight or become obese. They will still need to have something to vent out their energy, although they are active at home.
While walking your dog out, there's a high chance that they'll get to meet other dogs or people. This will give them the opportunity to learn how to interact. Thus, making them less afraid to make friends and will help boost their self-confidence.
Dog Parks Near Me
If you are a dog owner, having nearby dog parks is important.
Dog parks are an excellent place to socialize not just for the dogs but also for the dog owners. This will be a good opportunity to build good relationships within or outside the community.
Another benefit of dog parks is that some allow dogs to run free without a leash but still promote safety.
Giving dogs some free time to run, walk, and play will boost their mental and physical health and teach them to behave, which will benefit the dog owner and the community.
Dog Grooming
Generally, dog grooming is taking care of your dog's overall hygiene, cleaning them, and enhancing their physical appearance. Dog grooming may include and not limited to:
- Dog Baths
- Haircuts or Hair Trims
- Nail Trimming
- Teeth Brushing
Importance of Dog Grooming
Dog grooming may sound too glamorous and expensive for some. But why do dog owners invest a lot of time and money to groom their dogs?
- Dog grooming enhances the dog's appearance
- Grooming also help dogs grow a healthy and strong hair
- It allows you to check for fleas, ticks, sores, scratches, lumps, bumps that may cause serious health problems
- You can make sure that your dogs are clean
Dog Teeth Cleaning
Brushing our teeth is an essential part of our daily grooming routine. The same goes for dogs; although brushing their teeth is a bit hard, it is vital. By taking care of your dog's dental health, you can prevent them from suffering from bad breath, plaque and tartar buildup, and periodontal disease.
Tips on Cleaning Your Dog's Teeth
In cleaning your dog's teeth, you must use the appropriate toothbrush and a toothpaste especially made for dogs. Using a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs will make cleaning easy, pleasant, and comforting.
Use dog dental chews. Dog dental chews can clean your dog's teeth while promoting blood flow through the gums. Make sure to choose the right size and shape for your dog.
If your dog loves to kiss and cuddle, but his stinky breath prevents you from getting close to him, using dog dental spray is a perfect solution.
Exercising good dental care from an early age will make your dog live healthier and happier.
Nowadays, many establishments are offering dog grooming services. The question is, how will you choose a good dog groomer.
In choosing the right dog groomer, the first thing you should observe is the facility; the overall look, smell, and vibe. The next would be the variety of services offered. The third is their expertise with different breeds. Dogs have different grooming needs, depending on their species. Another thing that comes with expertise in training. You would want to have a proper understanding of the groomer's knowledge and experience. The last would be the product being used. As a dog owner, you would want a high-quality, gentle and safe product.
Cat Grooming
Do cats need grooming?
The answer is "yes"! Although cats like to clean themselves by licking and are self-bathing, they still need help maintaining good hygiene.
Importance of Cat Grooming
Cat grooming is not limited to only maintaining a good look. It helps keep a healthy skin by encouraging the secretion of sebum. Moreover, it prevents mats and gets rid of loose hair, dirt and fleas.
Cat grooming services may include:
- Bathing
- Brushing
- Nail clipping
Cat Grooming Near Me
As we all know, grooming is a part of every pet's life, even the self-bathing cat. And looking for a good cat groomer near you is not that hard.
Grooming might be a little frightening for all first-timers. That's why it may not turn out the way you expected it to be at first. In case your cat got irritated in the middle of the session, don't hesitate to cut it. Once you start bringing your cat to a groomer, continue doing it gradually until she enjoys it.
Funny Pet Names
Does giving your pet a name important?
Yes, it is! Unless you want to call your pet dog "dog" and your pet cat "cat." However, the common names such as Blacky, Browny, or Kitty will not do anymore, especially for a meticulous pet owner.
Many pet owners opt for something new and unique. Sometimes, they incorporate pet names with famous personalities and movie character's names. There are many funny dog names and funny cat names, and even snake names you can choose from.
Pet Party
Who said birthday parties are just for kids?
Pets, too, have birthdays.
Just like any party, you will need a perfect venue. An ideal venue for your pet's party must have enough space and other amenities, for instance, a bounce house, water slide, and lots of other fun attractions.
Also, don't forget about the cake. Your pet's cake is a very important piece in celebrating their birthday.
But no matter where you celebrate your pet's birthday party, the most important is making them feel loved and appreciated.
Gifts for Dog Lovers
Are you tired of racking your brain for perfect gift ideas for dog lovers? Why not give them a fun but useful gift. Below is a list of gifts that you might want to try to provide them with:
- Wearable items with Dog Statement - This can be a shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie, or cap. A dog lover would definitely want anything that has a dog print and statement.
- Dog Carrier - This is for dog lovers who love to bring their dogs with them.
- Dog Grooming Tools - A dog lover will really appreciate a gift that can help them keep their dogs clean and healthy.
- Dog Toys - This is a thoughtful gift for any dog lovers.
- Dog Bed & Blanket - To keep their dog warm, especially during winter season or when it's cold.
See? It isn't that hard to think of gifts for dog lovers. As long as it's for their dogs, they will surely love it. After all, it's the thought that counts.
Our pets are not just "pets." They are our teachers as well because they teach us to interact, to be patient, to care, and to love. They help us build a good relationship with others and with the community. So, always remember that, as a pet owner or a pet lover, your responsibility is not just to your pets but to the community as well.