We don’t just want pets to survive, we want them to thrive! To do that, at the most basic level, they need their five welfare needs met. The more we can do to provide for the needs of our pets, the better! After all, they are not just pets, they are family members. 

Responsible Pet Ownership Means Meeting The five Animal Welfare Needs

In the UK, we are governed by the Animal Welfare Act. This was introduced to ensure a duty of care when it comes to pet ownership. It is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure their animal’s most basic needs are met. They are that your pets are:

1. Provided with a suitable environment, or place to live. For example, ensuring their home is draft-free, safe, secure, comfortable, temperature controlled, with space to move comfortably, a separate toileting area and access to necessities such as water and food.
2. Fed a suitable diet to meet their needs. For example, ensuring they are fed a diet suitable for their lifestage (puppy/kitten, adult, senior), breed, lifestyle and medical needs.
3. Able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns. For example, rabbits will need to be able to run, jump, forage and hop around with a companion safely. Dogs will need space to sniff and exercise. Whereas, cats will need a quiet and warm area up high to rest.
4. Provided with suitable companionship in their home environment. For example, rabbits require companionship for their well-being and should be housed with another of their own species in a ‘bonded pair’. Cats, as another example, are more solitary animals and often prefer to live alone. 
5. Protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease. For example, ensuring their vaccinations and preventative care are up to date, they are neutered where necessary for their health and well-being, they receive regular check-ups with a vet and have access to veterinary attention if required. In addition, it is now a legal requirement to microchip both cats and dogs.

Finding The Right Pet For You

When you decide to welcome a pet into your home, it is imperative that they are sourced responsibly. Obtaining a pet from a reputable source, such as a registered breeder, or a rescue centre, will safeguard the health and welfare of the animal. When looking for a pet, in addition to ensuring you are able to meet their welfare needs, there is a lot to consider. Pets come in all shapes and sizes, some with more specific needs than others. When acquiring a pet, you need to ensure that it is suited to your home arrangements, lifestyle and family members. Some breeds require more stimulation and exercise than others. Some may require an adult home with no children, for example. 

The Investment

In addition to a time investment in terms of providing their care, exercise, and of course, companionship, they also require significant financial investment which needs to span their lifetime. Our Pet Health Plan ensures that our pet owners have access to the most cost-effective way of providing all your pet’s essential preventative care. This is all in one place through one convenient monthly payment. It is easy to sign up! You can do so via our website, where you can also register your new pet! 

All pets need to be registered with a local reputable veterinary practice. Once registered with us, your pet will be welcomed to their first appointment. In addition to their vaccinations, our vet will provide them with a full nose-to-tail health check at the same time. They will also ensure their essential preventative care, flea, tick and worming treatment, is covered in addition to discussing microchipping. Microchipping is now a legal requirement for dogs and cats! Our team will also cover neutering, diet, behaviour and socialisation to get your pet off to the best start. 

Pet Ownership And Children

Whilst there is a lot to consider and think about, welcoming a pet into your home will be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things you can do. Pets don’t ask for much in return for unconditional love. We hope this blog helps to get you and your pet off to the best start. Plus, if you have young children at home, they too can learn about responsible pet ownership through our Children’s Club. This is available on our website completely free of charge. New and interesting articles and activities are uploaded each month!