pet health insurance, an increasingly popular option that can help you avoid unexpected bills if your pet is injured or sick. It's also important to spay or neuter your pet: it prevents unwanted animals and makes your pet less likely to be aggressive or roam, and lowers its chances of catching a disease. 3. ID your pet All pets need some form of permanent ID, either a tattoo or a microchip. Microchip programs don't yet link to a universal database, so ask questions before you buy. In addition to a permanent option, every pet needs a collar with its name, your name, and a phone number. This often allows for pets to be returned directly, preventing a trip to the Humane Society that nobody wants. 4. Go to obedience school Take your dog to obedience school . Training (which should be mostly with positive reinforcement) will help people feel safer around your pet, can reduce the amount of damage your pet may do to your home, and will make your dog happier. "The animal feels more well adjusted and safe, because they know what the expectations are (for him)," explains Carroll.