Your pet's safety is of the utmost importance, and it is completely up to you to keep him or her safe. Your pet does not instinctually know everything that is right or wrong, safe or dangerous. With proper training, appropriate supplies, and a safe home, you can rest assured your pet will be as safe as possible.
Safety
Equipment
Collar - All cats and dogs should wear a collar at all times. Special "break-away" collars are made for cats so they cannot choke if their collar becomes caught on something. There are many collar designs, materials, and colors; there is a style out there for every owner and pet. In addition to the traditional collar, there are also harnesses and gentle leaders for dogs. If your dog pulls a lot on walks, one of these may be a better alternative to clipping the leash to the collar; though your dog should still wear his regular collar.
ID Tag - In addition to a collar, cats and dogs should wear an identification tag. The pet's name and phone number should be imprinted on it. Should someone find your pet, they can call your pet by his or her name to help keep calm and they will be able to contact you directly rather than bringing your pet to an animal shelter or animal control facility. If your pet is brought to a shelter, employees will be able to call you to come get your pet. Be sure to keep your ID tags current; if you move or change your phone number, change your tags too.
Microchip - A microchip is a tiny chip about the size of a grain of rice. It is inserted into your pet via a large needle and is relatively painless. Virtually any animal can have a microchip implanted. If your pet is lost or stolen, you may contact the microchip company to inform them. Though the chip does not allow them to locate your pet, it does put them on the alert. Some companies will contact local vet clinics and shelters to let them know as well.
A microchip works by emitting a radio signal, activated by a special scanner passing over the chip. The signal contains a number that is completely unique to your pet. Your contact information will be registered with the microchip company; when a shelter or vet retrieves the number they can contact the compnay, which will then contact you so you can get your pet back as soon as possible. AVID and HomeAgain are the most widely used in the US.
Training
Training can be fun - you can teach your pet tricks or to run agility or obstacle courses while giving him a challenge. But teaching your pet basic obedience can save his life. Teaching your dog to come, sit, and stay can be very valuable in dangerous situations, such as on a high-traffic road.
There are different methods of training, but one of the very successful methods of positive-reinforcement training is clicker training. Just about any animal can be trained and the clicker makes it easy. Because the human voice varies so much in tone, a pet can become confused about whether he did what you want. The clicker solves this problem - it always makes the same noise, and therefore provides a good marker for your pet to understand "Yes! That is what I want!" To learn the proper techniques of clicker training, you may wish to enroll in a class or hire a one-on-one trainer. There are also many books available on the subject.
In-Home Safety
Many dangers can lurk in your home; if you are not careful, your pet could be seriously injured. Just as you would child-proof your home, it is important to pet-proof your home. If it will help, get down on your hands and knees and get a pet's-eye-view of your home. See what is around that he or she may get into. Always keep wires hidden and protected to prevent chewing, especially with puppies, kittens, and small animals that like to chew (rabbits, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, etc.)
It is also important to know what plants and foods are toxic to pets.
Click here for a list of toxic plants.
The above list was compiled by the Montgomery County Humane Society in Rockville, Maryland.
Click here for a list of toxic human foods.
Traveling With Your Pet
When you go on a trip, sometimes it can be difficult to decide whether to bring your furry family member along. Traveling over long distances, whether by car or plane, can be dangerous for a pet; therefore, you must consider all the possible situations and consequences.
To help you decide whether to bring your pet on your trip, consider the following things:
If you decide against taking your pet on the trip with you, there are a few methods of pet care you can consider:
Boarding: you can board your pet at a kennel. Inspect the kennel carefully and get references. Make sure your dog gets plenty of walks or your cat gets plenty of playtime.
Friend or Relative: have someone you know look after your pet. If they can take the pet into their home, he would receive more attention and get more exercise than if left at home to possibly destroy it!
Pet Sitter: you can hire someone to come to your home on a regular basis, one or more times a day, depending on your pet's needs. You may even be able to find someone to be a live-in pet sitter and stay in your home and care for your pet full time.
If you decide to take your pet with you while you travel, there are some important things to bring with you and to prepare for:
If traveling by plane: remember it can be very costly! Check with your airline on the fees. There may also be restrictions on the time of year and type of pet allowed to fly. Some small pets may be allowed to fly in the cabin with you, but others will need to ride in the cargo area. Make sure you use the proper size crate. Your pet should be able to stand, sit, and lie down comfortably. The crate should be marked with labels stating "Live Animal" and "This End Up." Airlines may have other specific requirements for crates. Be sure to do all your research so you don't end up stuck at the airport with your pet because they will not allow him to fly.
If you are traveling internationally: check with the consular officeof the country you are visiting for entry requirements for your pet. He will likely need a special health certificate stating he is healthy and has had the required vaccinations. He may also need an internationally identifiable microchip. Check with the USDA Aphis and CDC for return requirements to the US and other useful information. It is recommended your pet be current on all vaccinations, whether they are required or not.