Yakima Valley Pet Rescue Presents . . . .

1. Yakima Valley Pet Rescue Presents . . . . R.E.S.P.O.N.S.I.B.I.L.T.Y. Pet Education

2. Responsible Pet Ownership • Owning a pet is a big responsibility • Companion animals depend on us • Pets are a long term commitment • Treat your pet as a family member!

3. Exercise and Attention • Set aside time each day to play with your pet and give them the attention they deserve • Pets needs regular exercise for good health • Take your dog for walks, run around the yard, throw a ball – anything to get them up and moving

4. Spay and Neuter • It’s the right thing to do . . . • Pets who are spayed or neuter can live longer healthier lives • Make better friendlier companions, less likely to roam, run away, get into fights or bite • Prevent unplanned kittens and puppies • Help reduce the number of: • Animals in shelters • Sick, hungry animals roaming the streets • Stray cats and dogs who hunt or harm other animals or get into trash or traffic • Amount of time and money your city spends dealing with these problems

5. Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (S.N.A.P.) • Goals of S.N.A.P. in Yakima County: • Reduce the number of : • Animals euthanized • Unwanted litters born each day • Animals at large • Number of complaints from the community concerning undesirable animal behavior • Provide a safer and healthier community but reducing or ultimately the growing number of stray unvaccinated intact animals • Provide a community resource for low income families with pets

6. Pet Overpopulation Activity

7. Patience • Patience and understanding is crucial when dealing with your pet • They do not learn to behave overnight • Losing your temper is counterproductive

8. Obedience Training • The best prevention and the best cure for behavior problems • Training for manners • Walking on a leash • Sit, Stay, Come • Stopping unwanted behavior (excess barking) • Requires consistency, patience, practice and praise • Don’t give up! • It should be FUN!

9. Nutrition • Pets should be fed on a regular schedule • Make sure to feed your dog or cat the right amount of quality food • Feeding guidelines vary depending on weight, age and activity level of your pet • Always have clean water to drink

10. Safety • Dogs must be under control of pet owner at all times • Keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced yard when outdoors • Don’t leave your pet unattended for a long period of time

11. Immunization • Its important to get your dog or cat vaccinated against rabies and other diseases • Vaccinated dogs and cats are less likely to get diseases or have other health problems • Its important to take your animal to the vet on a regular basis

12. Brush and Groom • Dogs and cats should be groomed regularly • Grooming includes: baths, brushing, nail trimming, ear care and hair clipping • Most grooming can be done at home or by professionals

13. Identification Tags • I.D. your pet! • Dogs and Cats should wear a collar with current identification tags at all time • Yakima County requires dogs to have an I.D. tag within 30 days of acquiring the dog or by the time the dog is 6 months old • I.D. tags should include: • Owner and animal name, address and phone number • If your dog or cat gets lost, I.D. tags greatly increase the chance of your animal being returned

14. Leash • Leashes should be worn at all times when dogs are not in a confined space • Leashes ensure the safety of your dog and others

15. Indoor • Let your pets live indoors • Treat them like family members • Don’t keep dogs outside when your not home • This can lead to escape, excess barking and injuries • Make sure dogs and cats are inside during extreme weather

16. Tether – NO! • Chaining or tethering should only be done for short periods of time • When chained for days, months or years dogs can suffer from mental and physical health problems including: • Anxiety, aggressiveness and unhappiness • Sores can form on their necks • A fence is always best!

17. You can make a difference! • When you choose to become a pet owner, it’s up to you to be the best you can be Your pet is counting on it!