Responsible Pet Owner Tips

Responsible pet ownership makes for better neighbors

• Spay or neuter your pet(s)
• Provide vet care (vaccinations)
• Properly restrain your pet(s)
• Train and socialize your pet(s)
• Proper nutrition
• Make sure pet(s) get plenty of exercise
• Make sure pet(s) have current ID (ie personal tag, pet license, rabies tag)
• Pet proof your home
• Make the pet(s) part of your family

Tips for being a responsible dog owner
You have a right to own a dog.  In addition, your neighbor has the right to be outside their home without excessive barking.  You must provide clean water, food and adequate shelter anytime they are outside.  Areas where animals are kept must be clean at all times from excessive feces.  They must be properly restrained at all times which includes an enclosed fence or on a leash.  City ordinances require that all dogs have a city license and must wear a rabies tag when outdoors.  Rabies vaccinations must be current each year.

Tips for being a responsible cat owner

You have the right to own a cat. In addition, your neighbor has the right to have a garden or sandbox. You are responsible for keeping your cat away from your neighbor's property. City ordinances require that all cats have a city license and must wear a rabies tag when outdoors.  Rabies vaccinations must be current each year.

Problems associated with letting your cat roam

• Cats are killed annually in traffic
• Life expectancy of a cat allowed to roam is only three to four years
• Confined cats can live beyond 20 years
• Roaming cats may be a nuisance by urinating and defecating in sandboxes and gardens
• Outdoor cats are susceptible to injury or death from other predatory animals
• Outdoor cats are predators to wildlife such as birds
• Property owners and managers have the right to confine any cat that walks onto their property and turn it over to Animal Control. This must be done without harming the cat.

Helping to control the cat population

• Keep your cat at home or on a leash at all times. Cats do not reproduce when properly contained.
• Alter your cat (spay or neuter) if you do not plan on breeding.
• Do not breed your cat unless you know the history of the animal involved. Have responsible owners ready for the kittens prior to breeding.