Animal Care

  Basics : Small mammals like rabbits, mice, gerbils, and Guinea pigs are great options for people who are bringing a pet into a  home with young children . These types of animals don’t require owners to invest as much time and money as they would if they were bringing home dog or cat. That said, small mammals still require proper care and attention. You’ll first want to purchase a cage that meets your pet’s needs. Everything from the size to the accessories will depend on the animal. Some small mammals benefit from an exercise wheel, particularly hamsters. Chew toys are also a must to keep your critter from gnawing on their food bowls or cage. Fruits, vegetables, and pellets are common foods for small mammals, but make sure you research what type of diet is most appropriate for your pet.  Nutritional needs can vary  among small mammals more than you might expect. You should also reach out to your veterinarian with any questions. Veterinary care : Like all the other ...

  Basics : Reptiles and amphibians are separate classes of animals, but are collectively known as herptiles. These cold-blooded creatures need habitats with heating elements to ensure proper temperature regulation. Do some research on your specific pet to choose the most appropriate type of terrarium habitat. Though some herptiles will happily chomp away on commercial pet food, many  require fresher fare . This could include fruits, veggies, insects, and small rodents. Snakes, for example, often eat chicks and mice. Ask your local pet store about what they have available and be sure to research your pet’s specific nutritional needs. Like fish, reptiles and amphibians need to have their habitats  cleaned regularly . You’ll want to do some daily maintenance, such as removing uneaten food and wiping up spills, plus a more thorough weekly cleaning. It’s a good idea to have a second terrarium on hand to make sure your pet is safe while you clean. Veterinary care : Though some ...

  Basics : Fish are easier to care for than many animals in some ways, but there are some specifics you might not know. For example,  PetMD  points out fish don’t understand when to stop eating since they lack stomachs. This means you need to be careful to avoid overfeeding. As for the type of food, most commercial pellets and flakes are designed to meet a fish’s nutritional requirements. The actual tank can be as simple or deluxe as you wish as long as you have water, a filter, and a heating system. You’ll also need to  clean the tank  as needed, regularly replace a portion of the water, and maintain a safe pH level. It’s also worth mentioning saltwater fish aquariums require some additional equipment and maintenance, so you might want to start with freshwater fish. Veterinary care : Fish might not need as much veterinary care as other animals, but they can become sick just like any other creature. Loss of appetite and changes in behavior or appearance signal i...

  Basics : Properly caring for a bird is a little more involved than a new owner might expect, especially when it comes to socialization. The  Association of Avian Veterinarians  (AAV) says it’s a good idea to keep the bird cage in an area where a lot of family activities take place and make human interaction a regular part of your bird’s routine. Be sure to purchase a supply of toys, perches, and some sort of cage liner paper. Birds also need access to water for bathing. Some simply take care of it themselves when granted access to a bath, but you may need to provide regular misting to encourage self-cleaning. Spend some time thinking about your home environment and your bird’s needs when determining whether you should clip their wings. A house with lots of windows and ceiling fans likely isn’t safe enough for your pet to fly freely. On the other hand, some birds may  need more exercise  to maintain a healthy weight. Feeding birds is generally pretty easy since...

Every puppy should have their first visit to the veterinarian when they’re around three weeks old. You should expect a physical exam and testing for worms. This is also a good time to have a discussion about vaccinations and determining when to spay or neuter. These reproductive surgical procedures can be done  as early as eight weeks old . Newly adopted older dogs will have a similar first vet visit. Make sure you bring along any available health records. Many pets adopted from shelters lack a complete health history, so schedule your visit sooner rather than later. After a final round of vaccinations around four months of age, you’ll want to take your pup in for an annual check-up. Also make sure to look out for signs of health issues that may require immediate attention. Weight loss, changes in behavior, and lack of energy are all signs something might be wrong.

  Before you bring home your pet, be sure you’re ready. Here are a few considerations to think about as you prepare to bring a loved pet into your life: Select a pet that is suited to your home and lifestyle and avoid impulsive decisions. Recognize that owning a pet(s) requires an investment of time and money. Keep only the type and number of pets for which you can provide an appropriate and safe environment. This includes appropriate food, water, shelter, health care, and companionship. Ensure your pet is properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and that their registration information in associated databases is kept up to date. Be knowledgeable of and adhere to local ordinances, including licensing and leash requirements. Provide preventive (e.g., vaccinations, parasite control) health care for the life of your pet(s). Socialize your pet to facilitate their well-being and the well-being of other animals and people. If needed, provide additional training. Provide ex...

  Animal welfare refers to the quality of life experienced by an animal and encompasses how well the animal is coping with his or her current situation and surroundings.   World Animal Protection believes animal welfare is affected by the relationships human beings have with animals and it is our duty to ensure all animals are treated humanely, responsibly, and with respect.   This includes consideration for all aspects of animal well-being, such as the Five Domains. Animal welfare should be at the forefront of every human action involving animals.  What are the Five Domains of animal welfare?  Nutrition  – factors that involve the animal’s access to sufficient, balanced, varied, and clean food and water.  Environment  – factors that enable comfort through temperature, substrate, space, air, odour, noise, and predictability.  Health  – factors that enable good health through the absence of disease, injury, impairment with ...

  Vision & Philosophy A world where – Animals can wake up every morning with joy in their eyes and hope in their hearts Animals are not treated like machinery to generate income but as co-passengers in the journey of life Animals are not abused in the name of entertainment or science Animals are not allowed to live only to be turned into food Social sanction would deter violation of animal rights Animals and environment are understood and accepted as being an intrinsic link in the chain of life