THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF THE MASTER IN CHARGE

Look in the mirror and congratulate yourself! Why? Well, the fact that you're reading this article means you care about your pet and are a responsible owner. Congratulations!

I know, we don't know each other. But how many people actually take the time to research online and learn how to be a better pet owner? More often than not, many people just want a pet for the benefits, without really considering the responsibilities that come with it.

So, yes, if you're here, you're responsible. Congratulations! And thank you for reading!

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YOU ARE THE MASTER!

Yes! Yes! You're the master!

If you're a new pet owner, you may still be struggling to classify yourself as a pet owner, but you are one!

Being an animal's owner means much more than pampering it, dressing it in funny little clothes, and walking it down the street like a toy. Those who think like this are not truly owners.

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Being responsible for an animal is a serious commitment that only a few loving people are capable of. It's like playing the same role as a parent: loving, cherishing, protecting, nurturing, and adoring a being who depends on us for their entire life.

So, how do you become a good pet parent? Is there a guide or certain criteria to qualify? Well, yes! We even wrote them down for you! Here is the list of the 10 commandments to follow to be a responsible pet owner.

1. YOU SHALL RESPECT YOUR ANIMAL

Perhaps you are surprised to see this commandment cited first.

We believe that every animal is unique and that it is crucial for an owner to understand their needs as best as possible. This is how respect develops.

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When a pet owner respects their pet, they educate themselves on the best care to meet their needs.

Respecting an animal also means giving it enough time to adjust to its new life with you and having reasonable expectations of it (as Raquel Hartzell of Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue recommends).

All animals, regardless of where they come from, whether they are purebred or not, whether they cost a lot or not, deserve the same degree of respect.

If the animal feels this respect, it will see you as a leader who provides care for it and a healthy and long-lasting harmonious relationship will be established between you.

2. YOU SHALL PROVIDE HIM WITH SHELTER, FOOD AND AFFECTION

Owning a pet means meeting their basic needs. And by basic needs, we don't just mean food and water, but also suitable and secure shelter, as well as social and emotional connections. We've covered these needs in detail in our article on pet care in our Guide to the Perfect Adoption. Go read it if you haven't already!

3. YOU WILL TRAIN HIM AFFECTIONATELY

Disciplining an animal isn't always easy. No one wants to go overboard by being too harsh. However, healthy discipline is necessary!

By healthy discipline, we obviously exclude physical injury, food deprivation, withholding affection for a long period of time, or punishments for things over which the animal has no control.

Animals need structure and YOU are responsible for providing it.

The right way to train an animal is to respect its boundaries and be consistent in applying the rules you impose on it. Remember that compassion and patience are two necessary qualities, as we have learned.

K9 Jack of LongShot Farms , Christa McElroy of Tri Country Collie Rescue , and Bonney Williams of Etosha Rescue and Adoption Center , as well as other experts we contacted.

4. YOU WILL PROTECT HIM FROM DANGER

Protecting him from danger means, above all, arranging your home so that it is safe and ensuring that he does not have access to products or food that could be harmful to him.

It can also mean not placing your pet in dangerous situations that can be avoided. For example, if you live in an area where there are bears or wolves, don't tie your pet up in the backyard unattended.

In short, use your common sense. Only you truly know your pet. For example, if you know he can't digest a certain food, you'll stop giving it to him, even if he begs you. Dogs are particularly good at "inducing pity," but being a good owner means not giving in on something when you know it will be harmful to your beloved companion.

5. YOU WILL BE CONCERNED ABOUT HIS HEALTH

There is no excuse not to get your pet treated if you know something is wrong.

Of course, finances can sometimes be tight, but there are ways around this. Some communities have free veterinary clinics or may offer reduced rates for those in need. Ask around.

By consulting, you will at least know what your animal has and can then consider the options available according to your abilities so as not to let it suffer.

You may find it helpful to try more natural solutions such as homeopathic products.

6. FOR HIS GOOD, YOU WILL MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES

There are so many trends in pet care that sometimes it seems easier to just go with the flow without worrying about what's truly best for our pet.

To make the right choices, read, research, and keep things simple. For example, is it really necessary to give supplements or vitamins, or even certain optional vaccines? Why treat what isn't affected?

We all want our pets to be healthy. Often, the best way to achieve this is to get back to basics and try to stay away from unnecessary procedures like declawing, over-vaccination, or tail docking, to name a few.

Even approved modern medical procedures can do more harm than good in the long run, especially if they haven't been thoroughly studied to eliminate harmful effects (such as some vaccines).

Try to consider all aspects of your pet's health. This means taking care of not only their physical needs, but also ensuring they have social interaction, playtime, and house rules.

Be informed, open, attentive, and affectionate. Ultimately, what your pet needs most is a present owner who will protect them in all areas, especially their health.

7. YOU WILL ENSURE THAT IT IS STERILIZED

Unless you are a breeder, neutering your pet (especially applicable to cats and dogs) is a sign of love for it.

Some people view sterilization as an unnatural method. However, let's look at things more broadly.

Did you know that shelters are full of animals born to unneutered mothers and fathers whose owners don't know what to do?

Did you know that millions (Yes! Millions!) of animals are euthanized every year because shelters have been unable to find them a home?

Did you know that unneutered animals may be more vulnerable to certain cancers or behavioral problems ?

Now you know.

Isn't sterilization a sign of concern for animals?

8. YOU WILL ENSURE HIS IDENTIFICATION

All animals, especially cats and dogs, can get lost at least once in their lives. By having your pet wear a collar (with your contact information), you give them a chance of being found.

Now you can even have it microchipped, which is highly recommended.

Dual identification is the best option. While the person who finds your pet may not be able to recognize or use the microchip, they will be able to contact you.

Sandra Dollar of Save the Strays Animal Rescue explained it well: "We always recommend that owners put an ID collar on their dog or cat. This is the first step in finding your pet."

As for the chip, it proves invaluable if you have a puppy or if your pet is stolen. It confirms that you are the rightful owner of the animal. Of course, you must not forget to register the said chip otherwise it proves completely useless, as Anne Fifield of Basset Rescue Across Texas reminded us.

9. IN YOUR LIFE PLANS, YOU WILL INCLUDE IT

If someone commits to living with you for the rest of their life, but then abandons you after a few weeks, months, or years because you no longer fit their needs or their life… needless to say, how you'll feel. It's extremely painful.

For animals, this can even result in possible death. All this because the owner didn't think long-term or had no plan B in case something went wrong to ensure the best possible life for the animal.

Unfair, isn't it? But above all, avoidable.

The above scenario is not fiction. It happens every second all over the world. Thousands of animals are euthanized every day because they don't fit into their owners' future life plans.

You can't adopt a cat today without thinking or thinking that if you spend your life with someone who doesn't like cats, you'll get rid of them.

Adopting a pet may mean giving up certain things because you've made a moral commitment. This should outweigh mere convenience. Just don't commit if you don't truly intend to honor the contract!

For example, giving up certain things might mean going on a whim or moving into a luxury condominium where pets are not allowed.

A pet is a huge responsibility.

Good owners are rare people who have the strength of character to respect their moral commitment, the tacit pact between them and their animal.

As Ashley Pobanz of Foothills Humane Society told us, a pet is a lifelong commitment. You don't just part with one at the first opportunity, just because it eats shoes or isn't as affectionate or cute as it used to be.

10. YOU WILL NEVER ABANDON HIM

We repeat: adopting an animal is a lifelong commitment, theirs or yours. Only death should separate us, unless of course there are exceptional circumstances that would justify entrusting it to someone you trust (for example, deployment of military forces abroad).

A responsible master knows that his commitment is serious and lasting.

Christine from Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue told us this: “Adopt with the mindset that it’s forever, no matter what. Be aware of the costs, time, and emotional commitment involved before you take the step. But in the end, the rewards are priceless.”

It's always a pleasure to know that many of you are reading us and we hope that you enjoyed this "little guide" for responsible owners. You are certainly a good owner since you are taking the time to educate yourself on the subject and we are sure that Fran Filak from A-Parrot to A-Flamingo would agree with us.

Being a good pet parent is a privilege. You can be proud and continue to lead by example so that all pets can have the owners they deserve. One way to do this is to share this article! You can also join us on our Facebook page to give or receive other good advice. By subscribing to our newsletter , make sure you're up to date on our latest publications! It's free! Join the Homeoanimo ™ community!

See you soon !