DOWNEY - The month of February is “Responsible Pet Owner’s Month.” The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) would like to remind pet owners that animals, like humans, need necessities such as love, care, shelter, and food.

However, DACC also recognizes that additional responsibilities are crucial in order to maximize the quality of life for a pet. Pet owners must understand what it means to be a “responsible pet owner.” DACC has included a list of tips that can help make everyone a responsible pet owner.

• Spaying or neutering your pet: The benefit of spaying and neutering is not only the best solution to controlling pet over- population, but it can also help prevent certain cancers and diseases in your pet. Spaying or neutering saves you money for pet license fees and it is the law in most of Los Angeles County.

• Licensing your pets: California law requires that every dog four months of age or older must have a current license fastened to its collar, and be vaccinated against rabies. Making sure your pet has its current license is also one of the best ways to have your pet returned to you in case he or she becomes lost.

• Getting your animal microchipped: Besides having your pet licensed, a microchip provides an added layer of protection. In the event that your animal gets lost, the microchip can help reunite you with your animal by a simple scan of the animal. Microchips are an important additional identification tool, as tags can be lost or damaged. All six of our shelters offer free microchip clinics.

To help promote responsible pet ownership, DACC spays/neuters, vaccinates, and microchips all animals prior to adoption. Adoption fees are less than $40. DACC believes that the best pet owner is a responsible pet owner.

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Published: February 6, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 42