THE COMMANDMENTS OF
RESPONSIBLE ANIMAL OWNERSHIP

1. THOU SHALT LOVE THY ANIMAL. You see that your animal (nutritionally, emotionally, and medically) is happy and healthy.

2. THOU SHALT RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS. You train and properly socialize your animal, clean up after it, keep it contented and quiet.

3. THOU SHALT PROTECT THY ANIMAL FROM HARM. You do not allow your animal to run free to be hit by a car, abused, or pick up diseases from other animals.

4. THOU SHALT NOT ALLOW ANY ANIMAL OR HUMAN TO COME TO HARM AS A RESULT OF THY ACTIONS OR INACTIONS. You provide adequate and proper fencing, do not have more animals than you can care for, control or meet the needs of. You call ANIMAL CONTROL when you see animals roaming free, abused or injured.

5. THOU SHALT REMEMBER ANIMALS ARE LIVING, BREATHING CREATURES WITH FEELING, WANTS AND NEEDS. Owning an animal is not like owning a pet rock. You make the necessary commitment in love, time, money, training, etc. Animals can suffer neglect, pain, illness, disease, loneliness, boredom, etc.

6. THOU SHALT PROTECT THE PROPERTY AND SAFETY OF OTHERS. You do not allow your animal to roam free, to dig in or soil neighbors' yards threaten people, etc.

7. THOU SHALT BE AWARE OF THE LAWS REGARDING ANIMAL OWNERSHIP AND RESPECT THESE LAWS. You know the laws concerning the animal of your choice. Most animals cannot legally run at large, make excessive noise and are required to be licensed and vaccinated. Laws exist for the protection and safety of you, your animal and the public; you should make yourself familiar with the laws that affect you.

8. THOU SHALT BE A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER SHOULD THOU BREED ANIMALS. You do not breed more animals than you can place with responsible owners, nor place "pet" quality animals in homes without spaying or neutering them. You do not breed for profit, curiosity, to teach your children about the "Birds and the Bees" or "Joy of Life," etc. HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF UNWANTED ANIMALS ARE EUTHANIZED EACH YEAR, KILLED BY AUTOMOBILES, OR STARVED TO DEATH AS A RESULT OF IRRESPONSIBLE BREEDING. YOU DO NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THIS PROBLEM.

9. THOU SHALT NOT OBTAIN OR BREED AN ANIMAL UNLESS THOU ARE WILLING TO MAKE A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO THE ANIMAL, OR, IN THE CASE OF BREEDING, THE OFFSPRING OF THAT ANIMAL. You make whatever adjustments necessary and consider all aspects of ownership before considering such a commitment. This includes special care and attention required for young and old animals, changing lifestyles, housing, relocations, monetary aspects, etc. When must take time to learn about the various special needs of that particular animal, and consider whether you can meet those needs now and in the future. If you breed animals, this commitment should extend to all offspring.

10. THOU SHALT BE A GOOD AND RESPONSIBLE ANIMAL OWNER. You are willing to take the time and make the commitment to be a good and responsible animal owner.

FACTS ABOUT PETS: Only one in six pets stay with their original owner until death. - Most dogs end up being dropped of at a shelter or left on the street to fend for itself. The major reasons are: 1) Behavior problems; 2) Too much trouble; 3) They get too big. - The "Too Big" we can't fix, but the size might be just right for you; The "Too much trouble" can probably be fixed with spaying or neutering and CARING; and the "Behavior problems" can usually be solved with patience, love and OBEDIENCE TRAINING.