Celebrate National Pet Week

May 4th through May 10th is National Pet Week. It is a time to celebrate the many blessings that pets bestow on our lives and to raise awareness that pet ownership comes with responsibility that must not be taken lightly. Our pets rely on us to keep them safe, healthy and happy. You do not need to own a pet of your own to contribute. This article describes several ways you can make a difference in a pet's life.

Adopt a Pet Responsibly. If you have been considering adding a pet to your household, this is a great week to do so. First, decide which pet would be right for your home and if the pet you are thinking of adopting is conducive to your way of life. All pets require a certain amount of time and companionship, some more than others. Consider the time you have available to devote to a pet. If you have children in the home, you need to make certain that the pet you choose and your children will be a good match. Visit your local animal shelter and inquire about the animals available. Ask the animal control officers the histories and any information known about the animals you are interested in.

Make a Donation to Your Local Animal Shelter. Millions of animals land in animal shelters every year. It is the shelter's responsibility to house, feed and provide medical attention to the animals in its care. Animal shelters appreciate donations from the community to offset the cost. Dog and cat food, kitty litter, toys and clean blankets and towels are always in need. Ask your local animal shelter what items they have the most need for and drop by with a donation. While you are there, you can spend a few minutes with the animals and give them so much needed companionship.

Spay Or Neuter Your Pet. If you have not already done so, make an appointment to spay or neuter your pet. This is much healthier for the dog or cat and prevents certain health problems down the road. Spaying and Neutering also helps to decrease the number of strays that are born every year. If you can not afford the cost of spaying or neutering your pet, contact Friends of Animals.(Friendsofanimals.org) They offer reduced cost certificates for the procedure. You will need to go to a participating veterinarian in your area to use the certificate.

Make An Appointment With Your Veterinarian. Make an appointment for your pet to receive any shots they may be due for, or just for a checkup and dental cleaning. Just like in humans, being proactive in your pet's health care can make a substantial difference in their future health.

The benefits of pet ownership are tremendous. They provide companionship, love and entertainment. They are also a responsibility that must be taken earnestly. Make National Pet Week your time to celebrate and provide for all the pets in your community.