It was 2020 when strange screams one random Tuesday night caught our attention. My partner and I lived with our two cute pet cats, Dot and Greg. Although we tried to brush off the screams as the usual mating call from cats, the persistent noise made us extremely uncomfortable. So we went out to our balcony, and a tiny black kitten was stuck on a neighbouring balcony. In our one year of living with our cats, we had learnt quite a bit about how to take care of pets. So the decision was a no-brainer. We were going to adopt this kitten who seemed very distressed.
While writing this, I realise that as much as we all love to scroll endlessly watching cute pets on Instagram, the knowledge to care for an animal can fall short on occasion. The frantic Google searches for ‘reliable pet clinics near me’ or even looking for animal rescue teams can be daunting, to begin with. In this article, we will look at some crucial things to remember while caring for a pet. We will look at:
- How to go about animal rescue
- How to search for pet clinics nearby
- How to take care of pets
- Figuring out pet animal names
How To Go About Animal Rescue
While in 2020, my partner and I were still relatively new to taking care of animals. However, two years later, we are much more experienced and confident. While animal rescue can be extremely gratifying, it is also taxing both physically and mentally. Therefore, before taking on the responsibility of caring for an animal, you must self-assess and decide if the work that comes with it is something you are 100% up for.
In 2020, while rescuing the kitten stuck on the balcony, we tried many Google searches for “animal rescue team near me”, but to no avail. Many places told us to call the fire department, while many just did not pick up the call. However, places like Friendicoes are reliable in finding a proper solution to rescue an animal. Keeping several pet clinics and animal rescue team contacts handy for any unforeseen situation is always helpful. What is also helpful is to be part of Facebook groups that provide a ton of support and information if you are new to this.
An animal that needs rescue can come in front of you in many ways. They may be stuck in an abusive household or just need medical care. Reaching out to the correct kind of support while rescuing an animal is crucial. A rule of thumb I follow is to get the animal checked by a nearby vet, regardless of their condition. Many latent diseases may be difficult to spot (especially in cats) but can be fatal to the animals.
Finally, I understand that taking the responsibility of an animal for the long run may be difficult. But fostering can save so many lives. It entails taking in an homeless animal and caring for them for a while before sending them off to a family’s permanent residence. Pet foster parents need to keep in mind that they are an animal’s essential but temporary guardian. If you think you would be a suitable foster parent, get in touch with the local animal rescue groups to find out about opportunities in your area.
How To Search For Pet Clinics Nearby
Before moving to our current house, finding a reliable pet clinic near me was a task. However, though this may be counterintuitive, Google is your best friend here. Be sure to check out the reviews listed for all clinics. I have found all pet clinics near me through Google listings and have been very happy with the treatment my cats have received.
Facebook groups are a blessing when searching for pet clinics and vets. With Facebook groups, you can personally talk to pet owners who have had good or bad experiences with pet clinics and decide for yourself which one to go for.
How To Take Care Of Pets
Having a pet requires dedication. Every day of their lives, they require your care and consideration. That might entail providing for them for a long time. Here are 11 tips to help you become a responsible pet owner:
- Before getting a pet, consider all its requirements, including what it should eat and where it should reside.
- Make sure to serve healthy, well-balanced food.
- Regularly take your pet to the vet. This will guarantee that it maintains excellent health.
- You should frequently deworm your pet and clean up after it. (Deworming is the process of giving an animal a medication that destroys the bugs that reside in its intestines.)
- Safeguard against illnesses. You can get advice from your vet.
- When necessary, neuter your pet to avoid unwanted litters (Neutering or spaying is an operation that makes an animal unable to reproduce). Your veterinarian can again offer guidance.
- Regularly groom your pet to keep its fur or coat beautiful, tidy, and shining.
- Be careful about letting your pet out of the house. To prepare for emergencies where your pet may wander out or go missing, make sure it has an identification tag with your contact details.
- Get pet insurance for protection against unforeseen vet costs and third-party liability (which covers any harm your animal causes to someone else’s property).
Bringing a new pet into your house can be as daunting as thrilling. The first step in providing for an animal’s needs is to take them into a loving household. To keep your pet happy and healthy, you must also take care of its nutrition, habitat, and everything else.
Figuring Out Pet Animal Names
This is the most fun part for me! I currently have five cats of my own, and they have the strangest names. Dot and Greg are my oldest, while we call our youngest Biffy. Phoenix and Cocopeanut are the other two. Feel free to steal any of these. Pet animal names can be anything and everything.
You may want to think a lot about it or just name your pet, whatever is the first thing that comes to your mind. Both are valid. In my four years of caring for animals, I have enjoyed the naming process the most. Pet animal names are what make you feel warm and fuzzy. If you need some inspiration, here is a list:
- Luna
- Bella
- Baloo
- Max
- Chiki
- Chaand
- Tiger
- Bonnie
- Daisy
- Sona
Taking care of animals has been one of my most rewarding experiences. Here are a few pictures to make your day better. I hope this article has answered some of your questions.
Please let me know your animal rescue story in the comments, and we can exchange notes! You can also write your pet story on Youth Ki Awaaz and drop a link in the comment section. I will make sure to check out all of them. Happy pet parenting!