Taken From: http://www.checchibooks.com/publications.html
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN OWNING A PET
• Brainstorm all the obligations that come
with owning one of the following
•Dog
•Cat
•Fish
•Bird
•Rodent
•Reptile
How long is your list?!
TODAY WE WILL….
• List the six obligations of pet ownership
according to the AVMA
• Define AVMA.
• Describe three benefits of pet
ownership.
RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP
According to the American Veterinary
Medical Association (AVMA), owning a
pet is privilege, but the benefits of pet
ownership come with responsibilities
ACCORDING TO THE AVMA…
There are 6 areas to consider when deciding
on pet ownership
• Commit
• Invest
• Obey
• Identify
• Limit
• Prepare
Refer to the brainstorm list you created. How
many of the items you listed fall under one of
these 6 areas?
COMMIT
• Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a pet.
• Select a pet that's suited to your home and
lifestyle.
• Keep only the type and number of pets for which
you can provide appropriate food, water, shelter,
health care and companionship.
• Commit to the relationship for the life of your
pet(s).
• Provide appropriate exercise and mental
stimulation.
• Properly socialize and train your pet.
INVEST
• Recognize that pet ownership requires
an investment of time and money.
• Make sure your pet receives
preventive health care (vaccinations,
parasite control, etc.), as well as care
for any illnesses or injuries.
• Budget for potential emergencies
OBEY
• Clean up after your pet.
• Obey all local ordinances, including
licensing, leash requirements and
noise control.
• Don't allow your pet to stray or
become feral.
IDENTIFY
• Make sure your pet is properly
identified
•tags,
•microchips, or
•tattoos
• Keep its registration up-to-date.
LIMIT
Don't contribute to our nation's pet
overpopulation problem: limit your pet's
reproduction through
• spay/neuter,
• containment or
• managed breeding.
PREPARE
• Prepare for an emergency or disaster,
including assembling an evacuation kit.
• Make alternate arrangements if you can
no longer provide care for your pet.
• Recognize any decline in your pet's
quality of life and make timely decisions
in consultation with a veterinarian.
OBLIGATIONS OF SMALL ANIMAL
OWNERSHIP--ACTIVITY
• Break into 6 different groups
• Each group will develop a scenario aimed at
one of the 6 categories of responsible pet
ownership
• Each group will present their scenario to the
class.
• The class will try to determine which category
is being demonstrated
BENEFITS OF SMALL ANIMAL
OWNERSHIP--ACTIVITY
• Using the internet, Google, “benefits of
pet ownership”
• Report your findings to the class
EVALUATION
• List the six obligations of pet ownership
according to the AVMA
• Define AVMA.
• Describe three benefits of pet
ownership.
SUMMARY
Small animal ownership has many
benefits and obligations. It is important
to weigh these before becoming a small
animal owner.
REFERENCES
•
•
•
•
•
Responsible Pet Ownership:
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/resp
onsible-pet-ownership.aspx
5 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health:
http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-bloodpressure/features/health-benefits-of-pets
The Therapeutic Benefits of Pets:
http://www.helpguide.org/life/pets.htm
Potential Benefits of Pet Ownership in Health
Promotion:
http://jhn.sagepub.com/content/15/4/358.short
Five Steps to Choosing the Right Pet:
http://www.checchibooks.com/fivesteps.html
TEXAS COLLEGE AND CAREER
READINESS STANDARDS
• English/Language Arts III. B. 1, b;
• English/Language Arts III. B. 3, a, b;
• English/Language Arts V. B. 1, b, 2 b.
Developed by the Department of Agricultural
Leadership, Education & Communications,
Texas A&M University
for the Texas Education Agency, Educational
Excellence Project for AFNR
©Texas Education Agency, 2013