Make your pet an indoor pet. Your dog or cat should live inside with the rest of your family. You will all be happier and your pet will not be in danger of heat stroke or frostbite.

Keep your pet under your control whenever he or she is outside. This protects your pet from injuries, from disease, from theft as well as keeping him or her from being a public nuisance.

Clean up after your pet when in public parks or along public streets and walks - it is the law in many places.

Spay or neuter your pet. This keeps him or her healthier and will reduce the terrible problem of dog and cat overpopulation.

Provide your pet with a nutritious diet in the correct proportions for his or her breed, age and level of activity, including constant access to clean water.

Provide your pet with plenty of exercise. Go the extra mile, exercise with your pet – it will be good for both of you!

Be sure your pet receives proper veterinary care, and keep up to date with the necessary vaccinations, including rabies shots, to protect your pet, other animals and your community.

Train your pet patiently, and give him or her lots of love and attention.

Brush your pet often to both enhance his or her coat and to give you the opportunity to bond.

Have your pet professionally groomed, as recommended for his or her breed and your lifestyle, to improve the quality of his or her coat, to increase your enjoyment of your pet and to possibly provide early detection of skin, eye or ear problems.

Provide your dog with opportunities for socialization – training classes, dog parks, daycare; this will make your dog happier, healthier, and much easier to manage in public situations.