There are several practical things you can do to care for your pets.

1. Have a veterinarian’s number available to everyone in your family in the event of an emergency.
2. Keep handbooks around to inform you about any potential problems and their solutions when dealing with your pet – such as the “Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook” by Delbert G. Carlson. Books like these will allow you to properly care for your pet when a veterinarian is out of reach.
3. Keep all dangerous things away from your pets. This includes medicines, food and beverages. Many plants are toxic and can cause serious illness or even death if ingested.
4. Buy a collar and name tag with contact information on it as soon as you’ve acquired your pet. ALWAYS keep their collar and tags on; this increases your chances of identification if your pet is lost. Dangers to our pets become greatest once they step off our property. Chip implants are a great additional step towards ensuring they are easily located should they leave your property.
5. Cats are better as indoor animals, as allowing them outside can open them up to tick and flea infestation, various diseases, and the predatory instincts of larger animals. The chances of a cat returning home is around 10% once they leave your property. Keeping your cat indoors is a must.
6. Along with these things you can’t forget basic care. Food, water, toys, play space, grooming: nails, teeth, ticks, fleas, haircuts. Having a place to keep your pet while on vacation is a must. There are local pet sitters and ads you can find online and through the Yellow Pages. Checking them into kennels until you return is also a sound option for keeping them safe.
7. Pet training is VERY important, especially with puppies. Pet stores offer great training programs, and you can find independent trainers online and through the Yellow Pages. Keeping your pet in line and responsible will not only make your life as a pet owner easier, it will allow you and your pet to bond and solidify a relationship of mutual trust.