Yakima Valley Pet Rescue Presents . . . .

R.E.S.P.O.N.S.I.B.I.L.T.Y. Pet Education

•Owning a pet is a big responsibility

•Companion animals depend on us

•Pets are a long term commitment

•Treat your pet as a family member!

• Set aside time each day to play with your pet and give them the attention they deserve

▫ Pets needs regular exercise for good health

▫ Take your dog for walks, run around the yard, throw a ball – anything to get them up and moving

• It’s the right thing to do . . .▫ Pets who are spayed or neuter can live longer

healthier lives ▫ Make better friendlier companions, less likely to

roam, run away, get into fights or bite▫ Prevent unplanned kittens and puppies

Help reduce the number of: Animals in shelters Sick, hungry animals roaming the streets Stray cats and dogs who hunt or harm other animals

or get into trash or traffic Amount of time and money your city spends dealing

with these problems

Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (S.N.A.P.)• Goals of S.N.A.P. in Yakima County:

▫ Reduce the number of : Animals euthanized Unwanted litters born each day Animals at large Number of complaints from the community concerning

undesirable animal behavior Provide a safer and healthier community but reducing or

ultimately the growing number of stray unvaccinated intact animals

Provide a community resource for low income families with pets

Pet Overpopulation Activity

•Patience and understanding is crucial when dealing with your pet

•They do not learn to behave overnight

•Losing your temper is counterproductive

•The best prevention and the best cure for behavior problems▫Training for manners

Walking on a leash Sit, Stay, Come Stopping unwanted behavior (excess barking)

•Requires consistency, patience, practice and praise▫Don’t give up!▫It should be FUN!

•Pets should be fed on a regular schedule

•Make sure to feed your dog or cat the right amount of quality food▫Feeding guidelines vary depending on

weight, age and activity level of your pet

•Always have clean water to drink

•Dogs must be under control of pet owner at all times

•Keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced yard when outdoors

•Don’t leave your pet unattended for a long period of time

• Its important to get your dog or cat vaccinated against rabies and other diseases

•Vaccinated dogs and cats are less likely to get diseases or have other health problems

• Its important to take your animal to the vet on a regular basis

• Dogs and cats should be groomed regularly▫ Grooming includes:

baths, brushing, nail trimming, ear care and hair clipping

• Most grooming can be done at home or by professionals

• I.D. your pet!▫Dogs and Cats should wear a collar with

current identification tags at all time Yakima County requires dogs to have an I.D. tag

within 30 days of acquiring the dog or by the time the dog is 6 months old

• I.D. tags should include:▫Owner and animal name, address and

phone number• If your dog or cat gets lost, I.D. tags greatly

increase the chance of your animal being returned

• Leashes should be worn at all times when dogs are not in a confined space

• Leashes ensure the safety of your dog and others

•Let your pets live indoors•Treat them like family members•Don’t keep dogs outside when your not

home▫This can lead to escape, excess barking

and injuries •Make sure dogs and cats are inside

during extreme weather

•Chaining or tethering should only be done for short periods of time

•When chained for days, months or years dogs can suffer from mental and physical health problems including:▫Anxiety, aggressiveness and unhappiness▫Sores can form on their necks

•A fence is always best!

•When you choose to become a pet owner, it’s up to you to be the best you can be

Your pet is counting on it!