Responsibility is hard. I mean it is really hard. Being responsible for the life and well-being of another living creature is not an easy thing. Case in point, we are out of milk. This is in no way pet-related. None of our pets drink milk, but our 15-month-old daughter does and I let us run out. I was going to swing by the grocery yesterday but I got distracted and forgot, and now we are in an emergency situation of needing milk. Luckily she is napping now but eventually, she will wake.
What does it mean to be a responsible pet parent? While this seems like an easy question it isn’t. My opinion on it is responsibility is all about relationships. Having a good relationship with your vet, a good relationship with your pet care provider, a good relationship with your trainer, and a good relationship with your pet.
Keeping them fed and comfortable goes without saying, but responsibility is also seeing to their medical needs and making sure they have proper species and breed-related activities.
When it comes to my pet care business I do view us as part of a pet parent’s responsibility. Relationships are two-way streets. We can provide decent care with a lack of information but it works much better when we have all the information we need to see to the care of a pet. This goes for any pet care provider be they another pet sitter or a boarding facility. They need to have as much information as necessary to provide the best care possible. Feeding instructions, how long walks should be, when they prefer to go potty, if they sometimes don’t go potty and need to be told to, if the water is filtered or from the tap, and other information along those lines.
The other factors should be clear. It is not responsible to get an English Bulldog and treat them like a German Shepherd. It is funny to picture an English Bulldog trying to take down a gentleman in a puffy suit but with their breathing issues and stubby legs they aren’t the best suited for that job. The same goes the other way. High energy breeds need playtime and activities while Basset Hounds need a soft carpet.
The one area that is the hardest is seeing to their medical needs as that information is constantly changing and there is debate in the industry as to what the best treatments are. This is why I say responsibility is about relationships. Having a vet you know, like, and trust and you feel has the best interest of your pet in mind is extremely important. Vet care is expensive, but it is necessary for a healthy pet.
None of this is difficult, but as we can see from the overcrowding in shelters is pet parenting isn’t for everyone. Pets can be a lot to handle. Responsibility is hard and being responsible for the health and well-being of another creature is very hard.