Owning a Pet

Caring for an animal is a commitment that requires much more than bringing home a cute, lovable fur ball. Are you ready for the commitment of owning a pet long-term?

Pets need your time, energy and depend on you for survival. Knowing how much energy you can devote to a pet can help you decide what type of pet is best for you. Dogs require stimulation and attention to prevent them from getting bored or anxious, and certain dog breeds require more activity than others. Cats are more independent but still require their litter box cleaned everyday and replenished food. Although they do not require a daily walk, some cats prefer more socialization and playtime than others.

Birds, rodents, reptiles and other types of pets all have varying needs. Birds are generally flock animals that create tight bonds with their owner and need daily playtime whereas reptiles typically don’t require as much human interaction. It is important to research the type of pet you want and make sure your lifestyle is compatible with its needs.

Do you have a yard?

Whether it is sunbathing, sniffing around or getting some exercise, it is beneficial for dog owners to have a yard or some kind of open space for their pet to go both leisurely an to do their business. Although not required for being a dog owner, here are some benefits of having a yard:

• Helps with convenient potty training, especially for the furry friends with smaller bladders (you won’t always have to leash up to take your dog out for a quick bathroom break)
• Allows for regular exercise and stimulation outdoors
• Place for spontaneous training and playtime

Do you have time?

Dogs need to be walked, exercised and socialized. Owning a dog is a time commitment– this is a member of the family, after all.
Most dogs require training, regular walks and exercise in order to curb behavioral issues such as excessive barking, chewing or having accidents. Remember, a well socialized dog is a happy dog!

Pet Health

Just like humans, pets can have health issues, and it is a pet owner’s responsibility to address them. Many of the ailments our pet’s experience (like the Ringworm kittens in the video below) are manageable or treatable.

One way to avoid more severe illnesses impacting your dogs or cats, is by getting them vaccinated. Vaccinations can help avoid costly treatments for diseases that can be prevented, and can prevent diseases that can be passed between animals and also from animals to people. Learn more about the vaccination services we offer here.

Dog Vaccination Timeline: 

Click here to download Dog’s Path to Health

Cat Vaccination Timeline: 

Click here to download Cat’s Path To Health

Ringworm Kittens

Are your family or other pets ready to add a furry friend?

Adding a pet to the family is a big change to not only your routine, but your environment. Ask yourself, “Would the people or animals in my household be okay with a new pet?”

It is important to ensure your pet will be accepted, so that the newly adopted animal is not returned to the shelter/rescue. It can be traumatic for an animal to be welcomed into a home and then turned away, so please be sure everyone is on board!

Training

In order to have a dog that brings companionship, pride and peace-of-mind, pet training is imperative. Training a dog decreases behavioral issues and strengthens the owner-pet bond, making it the responsibility of every dog owner.

Why train your pet? 

• To keep your dog safe. Dogs that know commands are less likely to run off and sustain injuries or get lost.
• To understand your pet’s needs. Communication between you and your pet will only help you form a stronger, more trusting bond.
• For your dog to be more sociable, learn boundaries & be manageable in each interaction.
• To make boarding OR travelling with your dog easier for everyone involved.

Dog Walk Training

More on behavior assistance

Are you planning any major changes in the future?

Changes like moving or having a baby can impact your ability to keep the pet you plan to adopt. What we want to avoid is returning a pet due to a circumstance that prevents you from keeping the animal. If you have a major life event coming up and are unsure you can accommodate a new pet, wait to adopt until you are sure the furry friend can fit into your situation.

Adopt, Don’t Shop

Shelters and Rescue Organizations are a great place to find a pet to welcome into your home.

The Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. cares for the homeless, abandoned, neglected and injured animals of our service area. We are constantly welcoming new animals that are in search of a home into our shelter with varying ages, breeds and species (That’s right! We don’t just have dogs and cats.)

View Pets

You can find a shelter or rescue local to you by simply searching “pet adoption near me” online.

Dog Breeds

There are lots of dog breeds that can be classified into different categories! Evaluate what is important to you and what kind of breed fits into your lifestyle.

For example, if you have a busy lifestyle and won’t be able to take your dog on extensive walks or exercise them as frequently, a young, high-energy big breed dog may not fit into your everyday life.

Breed Factors to Consider: 

• Activity Level
• Characteristics
• Size
• Coat Type/Shedding