Understanding the golden rules of responsible pet ownership is an essential part of caring for your pet.

Much of being a responsible pet owner is understanding what your pet needs and also being aware of what your responsibilities are to the community. Following are some basic rules for pet care:

• Learn about your pet's special needs - dietary, health, housing and general care
• Provide appropriate housing and shelter for your pet
• Provide your pet with an adequate balanced diet and ensure it has access to clean, cool drinking water at all times
• Provide appropriate housing and shelter for your pet
• Regularly exercise your pet according to its needs Train your pet using kindness and positive reinforcement
• Provide appropriate housing and shelter for your pet
• While unsupervised, keep your pet safely and securely confined to your property at all times To minimize boredom, provide your pet with sufficient companionship and a stimulating environment
• Protect your pet's health by taking it to a vet whenever health problems arise and by ensuring all necessary vaccinations and treatments are up-to-date
• To help prevent disease and illness, ensure your pet has a clean environment
• Microchip your pet (where appropriate) and where required register it with your local council to increase the likelihood of return when lost
• De-sex your pet at an early age to prevent unwanted offspring
• If your pet requires grooming, do so on a regular basis
  Many pets need to be socialised with other animals and people, particularly at a young age - give your pet appropriate opportunities for mixing with others
• Teach your family, friends and children how to interact with your pet
• Find suitable boarding facilities for your pet whilst on holidays
• Respect the rights of non pet owners by keeping your pet under control while in public and by disposing of any droppings made in public areas
• Provide your pet with love and attention and commit to caring for it for its entire life

Stay up to date with Petfood Industry’s list of US and international cat and dog food, pet treat and companion animal feed recalls. According to FDA, pet food can be recalled by a manufacturer to remove product from the market, by FDA request or by FDA order under statutory authority.