Pet Ownership 

responsibilities

Please schedule an

appointment with your 

veterinarian to discuss any 

questions or concerns!

Pet ownership comes with benefits and responsibilities.

 Your Veterinary Treatment Facility can help!

Preventive Health

http://phc.amedd.army.mil

1-800-222-9698

APHC Animal Health

This information brochure was written by Army 

Veterinary Services personnel and published by the 

Army Public Health Center to inform and educate 

Service members, beneficiaries, and retirees about 

Animal Health. Comments or questions regarding 

content can be directed to ARMY-VSPublications@

mail.mil. Locate your local Veterinary Treatment 

Facility at https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/

animed/vtfo/Pages/Veterinary-Treatment-FacilityInteractive-Map.aspx.

Approved for public release, 

distribution unlimited. 

TA-360-0418

If it Doesn’t Work Out

Even with the best intentions, pet ownership 

doesn’t always work out as planned. There are times 

when owners no longer wish to keep their pets or 

can no longer care for or afford them. This difficult 

decision must be made objectively and with the 

needs of the PET considered when discussing his/

her future. 

• Consult with friends and family as they may be 

willing or able to help. 

• Check with local shelters, adoption agencies, 

and animal rescue societies to see if they will 

accept your pet. Please check with them first 

before making a permanent decision about 

the life of your pet. 

• Talk to your veterinarian to see what 

suggestions they have or if they can provide 

contacts at helpful organizations.

ABANDONMENT is NEVER the answer. Abandoning 

your pet to the streets or leaving your pet behind 

when you have a permanent change of station 

(PCS) or move may subject that animal to untold 

suffering and many times a slow and painful death. 

It is also illegal to abandon your pet in government 

quarters or on post and in most municipalities. 

Remember, you chose them, you raised them, and 

you accepted their love in return for yours. Do the 

right thing and do not abandon your family pet. 

Instead, work to adopt or move them to a shelter.

Army Public Health Center Animal Health

DOGS CATS POCKET BIRDS PETS RABBITS HORSES REPTILES /

AMPHIBIANS
Once you find your pet: • Provide your pet with appropriate food and 

water, a home or shelter sized for the pet, 

routine health care, the appropriate level of 

exercise, environmental enrichment (such as 

toys, cat trees, etc.), and companionship.

• Register pets according to local and city 

ordinances. Always ensure your pets are 

properly identified (such as tags, microchips, 

or tattoos) and that information is kept up-todate in associated databases. All of this will 

help identify your pet and ensure they are 

returned to your family should they become 

lost.

• Establish and maintain a good relationship 

with your pet’s veterinarian and ensure that 

your pet receives all necessary preventive 

(such as vaccinations, parasite control) and 

therapeutic health care throughout its entire 

life. 

• Spay/neuter your pets. This helps pet 

overpopulation problems and decreases 

unwanted behaviors.

• Recognize declines in your pet’s quality of 

life and make decisions in consultation with 

a veterinarian regarding appropriate end-oflife care (such as palliative care, hospice care, 

euthanasia).

Beyond the Basics

Beyond providing your pet with basic care, it is 

important to provide your pet with appropriate 

training and discipline, attention, and 

socialization. 

Training and socialization • Teach your pet basic commands 

and behaviors to allow proper and 

peaceful interactions with other 

animals and people, including sit, 

stay, and so forth.

• Socialize your pet with people 

and animals outside the home. 

• Spend time and interact with 

your pet often. Your pet needs 

interaction and emotional 

commitment from his/her 

family on a regular basis.

• Do not house your pet outside or leave them 

staked out on leashes. Doing so can endanger 

the health and safety of your pet.

Prevent your pet from negatively impacting other 

people, animals, and the environment • Properly dispose of your pet’s waste at all 

times, whether in your yard, in their pen, out 

in the parks, or on walks. This reduces odors, 

helps control the spread of parasites, and 

removes unsightly piles from the area. 

• Work with your pet to ensure his/her noise 

does not disturb others around you. Discuss 

ways to prevent or curb unwarranted barking 

and howling with your veterinarian. 

• Do not allow your pets to run free and 

become stray or feral. Proper licensing, 

tagging, and control of your pet are important 

responsibilities. 

Pets make wonderful family members and 

provide their owners with unconditional love 

and companionship. The many benefits of pet 

ownership come with certain responsibilities.

Responsible pet ownership involves doing 

everything you can to make sure your pet has 

the best life you can provide for your pet. As a 

pet owner, it is your duty to properly care for your 

animal and to make sure your pet is healthy, happy, 

and safe. Having a pet is a privilege and should be 

beneficial for both your family and your pet. 

The Basics of Pet Ownership

Are you and your family ready and committed 

to adopting, raising, and living with a pet? Pet 

ownership is a serious commitment that lasts for 

the life of the pet. 

Families looking for a pet should: • Recognize and be prepared to commit to a 

life-long relationship with a pet.

• Recognize and accept that pet ownership 

requires a continuous investment of care, 

time, and money.

• Carefully select a pet suited to your lifestyle, 

and avoid impulsive decisions about 

obtaining a pet.

• Select and keep only pets for which you and 

your family can provide an appropriate and 

safe environment.

• Do Your Homework before adopting a pet to 

understand the unique health, social, exercise, 

and environmental requirements of the dog 

and cat breeds you are considering. Not all 

dogs and cats are the same. 

• Never adopt a pet during stressful times or 

solely because a child or family member 

“wants a pet.” 

Responsible pet ownership involves 

doing everything you can to make 

sure your pet has the best life you can 

provide for him/her.

Recognize and 

be prepared 

to commit to 

a life-long 

relationship 

with a pet.