Make Good Pet Care a Family Responsibility

Make Good Pet Care a Family Responsibility

National Pet Week Offers Chance for Kids to Get Into the Routine

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 2 /PRNewswire/ -- All over the nation people will celebrate the bond between animals and humans during National Pet Week, May 6-12, 2007. For many pet owners, it's a chance to learn more about taking proper care of their furry friends. It also gives parents an opportunity to explore and develop their children's interactions with special family members who walk on all fours, prefer to hop, fly or live underwater.

With guidance from parents, early exposure to animals helps children develop positive characteristics like love and respect for other living things, while building a sense of empowerment and responsibility.

A main goal of National Pet Week is to promote responsible pet ownership and care. "Pet ownership is a great experience for children," says Ron Faoro, DVM, president of the California Veterinary Medical Association. "However, parents need to teach a child what to do and then supervise to ensure the pet gets good care. That includes instruction on feeding, grooming, cleaning the pet's living area and bringing it to a veterinarian when sick or suffering from a physical injury."

A big part of the pet experience for children includes teaching them the plusses and minuses of taking responsibility for an animal. Pets are often special friends to children and, like people of all ages, kids find being with pets therapeutic during stressful times. However, being a good companion to children doesn't mean pets will never cause trouble, and children need to learn to manage those times when a pet misbehaves or shows an annoying behavior.

"Treating pets like family members adds to a child's understanding of the responsibility of pet ownership," adds Faoro. "Just as a family member needs regular check-ups with a doctor, a pet needs routine veterinary visits and vaccinations. When the family's dog is sick, he needs to be seen by a veterinarian."

Like children, not all animals behave in the same manner. Pets have different personality traits, care requirements and environmental needs, and parents must take those factors into consideration when selecting a family member from the animal kingdom. For example, long-haired dogs require a lot of grooming and are not for owners seeking a low-maintenance pet. Matching a pet to the child's personality can be equally as important. Young children sometimes treat live animals like a stuffed animal and don't know when to leave them alone, so they may not be suited for a puppy or kitten. Parents with children who have little time to devote to a dog, or who prefer to be less engaged as pet owners, might consider getting a bird or cat, especially if they do not have a backyard.

National Pet Week is also time to remember pets with fun gifts. Owners can buy a new chew toy for their dog, a new scratching board for their cat or just take their dog on a walk along a new nature trail. These are creative ways to show your pets how much you love them during their special week. For more information, visit the California Veterinary Medical Association's "It's About Pets" Web site at www.itsaboutpets.net.

For media interviews with a California veterinarian regarding this issue, please contact Phil Boerner at the CVMA: 916-649-0599. To access past CVMA press releases, visit the CVMA Media Center in the News Room at www.cvma.net.

The California Veterinary Medical Association is the largest state veterinary medical association in the United States, with more than 5,600 members. Founded in 1888, its mission is to serve its membership and community through innovative leadership and to improve animal and human health in an ethically and socially responsible manner.

Source: California Veterinary Medical Association

CONTACT: Phil Boerner, +1-916-649-0599, for California Veterinary
Medical Association

Web site:

http://www.cvma.net/

Web site:

http://www.itsaboutpets.net/

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