Responsible Pet Guardian Month
Declared by IDA, Animal Guardian Month is a pet observance month set for pet owners to celebrate their cherished pets.
During the month of May, animal owners should encourage each other to give pets added care and help homeless dogs and cats in need of a forever home. Did you know there are hundreds of thousands of homeless animals? Or, that there are millions of animals that die each year in shelters because nobody wants to take responsibility for them. By adopting animals, we can stop euthanizing animals for good.
IDA's Guardian campaign encourages pet owners to invest in their pets extra this month. This means that pet owners should do the following:
- Train pets at an early age. Puppies will need to know basic rules and commands as they mature.
- Allow pets the chance to socialize with other animals. Take your dog to a dog park or let them run around in the backyard. Dog fencing can be a safe and reliable alternative to community dog parks.
- Feed animals nutritious foods - always. The right food will lower their chances of dog and cat obesity and maintain strong joints and bones throughout their lifetime.
- Exercise is a must: Dogs and cats need a minimum of 30 minutes of daily activity.
- Spend one-on-one time with your pet. Throw a ball, take a walk or play tag with them. It will give you, the pet owner, exercise, too!
- Schedule routine vet visits to make sure your animal's health is purrfect.
Celebrate Animal Guardian Month by doing the following:
- Adopting an animal from a 'No-kill' animal shelter or animal rescue;
- Volunteer at an animal shelter or animal sanctuary and help coordinate projects;
- Reduce the animal homelessness population by implementing a Trap-Neuter-Return (TRN) program in your community for feral cats. Consider using the Kitty Corral Cat Fence Systems for the program;
- Donate funds and materials to dog shelters.