Ethical Pet Ownership

If you want to adopt a pet, you must prepare for the responsibilities that come with it.

7.6 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters every year. Of them, 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized. The majority of the animals that are in shelters are surrendered by people who decided that the responsibilities are too much for them. Therefore, there are steps one must take in becoming an ethical pet owner.

To begin, the place where one is getting their pet from makes a huge difference. Animal shelters and pet shops are extremely contrasting as one focuses on the well-being of animals and the other on money.

The problem with certain breeders and pet shops are the treatments of their animals. For example, pet shops tend to buy their puppies from puppy mills. Puppy mills are breeding facilities that put money before the health of their dogs. The canines are trapped in small cages to ensure that the facility can contain the maximum number of them. These helpless dogs usually never leave the metal bars to stretch their legs and walk around, nor are they fed an efficient amount. Breeders also bring up a problem as the majority of pet-searchers pay thousands for their precious pooches. While breeders are handing out puppies and getting paid, millions of dogs and cats are slumped over in animal shelters begging for a home

However, if you must buy from a breeder (for example, because a family member requires a hypoallergenic dog with low-to-no-shedding fur and minimal dander for allergies), there are signs to look for to see if they are reputable and responsible.

• Check to see if the house is clean and odor-free
• Observe the other dogs in the house. Ask yourself these questions. Do they look healthy and lively? Are they interacting well with the breeder?
• The breeder should give you the puppies’ pedigree (a.k.a. papers) with the American Kennel Club logo on top – registered breeders should have this documentation
• The breeder should be open to any questions and be able to tell you any medical issues the puppy may have

Another aspect of being an ethical pet owner is spaying and neutering your pets. There are already too many dogs and cats in need of a home, so it is irresponsible to risk adding more onto the list. It is also generally healthier, as “neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered male dogs and spayed female dogs live 23% longer than unspayed female dogs.” Additionally, it will help the behavior of your four-legged pets. In cats, it will avoid the act of spraying and in dogs, peeing to mark territory.

Being an ethical pet owner also applies to exotic animals. From pigs to foxes to monkeys, there are a wide range of animals that people may be compelled to keep. However, these animals are not typical house pets for a reason, and the people who own them may end up hurting themselves or the animal. For more information about exotic pets, [check out this blog post.]

When considering adopting or buying a pet, make sure that you are prepared for a lifelong commitment

DO YOUR RESEARCH — make sure you have the resources to keep your pet happy and healthy. For example, many fish owners have fish in tanks that are far too small.

There are lots of steps you can take not only to be a more ethical pet owner but to support ethical practices and end unethical ones on a larger scale.

1. Consider donating to a local pet shelter. You can donate your money, your time (by volunteering) or even your unused or uneaten pet supplies. For example, shelters often need extra dog crates and cat carriers. Call them to see which types of donations they’re looking for.
2. Support local legislation banning unethical practices, like declawing cats or dogfighting. Or call or write to your representative to encourage them to introduce this legislation.
3. Do some research to make sure that you are giving your pet what it needs in terms of food, space, play, etc. For example, many fish owners don’t realize or were misinformed about what tank size is appropriate for their fish.  
4. Talk to your friends about ethical pet ownership and advocate for shelters, spaying and neutering, and other ethical practices.