Grooming not only keeps your pet looking great, it also helps keep them healthy and comfortable. Daily or weekly grooming provides an opportunity to detect fleas and other problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. While cats and rabbits do much of the grooming themselves, they still require brushing and nail trimming on a regular basis. Dogs should be taken a groomer every few months for a more thorough grooming including a wash and haircut.
Responsible Pet Ownership
Be a Responsible Pet Owner
The first step to responsible pet ownership is doing your research before getting a pet. Find a pet that fits your family’s lifestyle and make sure you have the resources to care for him for his entire life. Most importantly, don’t support harmful and unethical breeding practices when getting your pet. Learn more about finding your new best friend responsibly.
Pets rely on us to provide them with everything they need to live a happy and healthy life. When you are a responsible pet owner, you and your pet will enjoy a lifetime of love and companionship. Follow these essential tips:
Before Getting a Pet
A Little Research Goes a Long Way...
One of the most important steps in being the best pet owner possible is finding out what you need to care for your pet before you adopt them. Select an option below to find out how to prepare for your new best friend.
Your Pet's Health
Veterinary Care
Just like you, your pet needs regular dental and health checkups. Provide your pet with the veterinary care they need, including physical exams, sterilizations and up-to-date vaccinations. This ongoing care will help keep them healthy and help prevent costly emergency care in the future.
Insure Your Pet's Health
Always be prepared to cover the cost of emergency medical care for your pet. A pet insurance plan can help bring you peace of mind and ensure that your pets will get the care they need when they need it most. Learn more about pet insurance.
Day-to-Day Care
Your pet needs regular care and attention to live their best life. Below are some of the everyday needs that will help you keep your pet happy and healthy.
Regular exercise and play keeps your pet happy and healthy, and can help prevent behaviour issues. Take time each day for one-on-one playtime, exercise and socialization with your pet. Go on a long walk together, play training games or provide food puzzles for an independent mental workout. Not only will your pet feel more satisfied and less restless, this will improve your bond with your pet!
Ensure your pet is receiving a balanced diet that meets her nutritional needs, and never feed your pet table scraps as some foods are toxic to pets. Talk to your veterinarian about the diet that’s best for your pet.
It’s important to provide basic training to your dog, so you can keep your dog under control and keep yourself, others and your dog safe at all times. When training, always use reward-based positive-reinforcement training methods and never use intimidation or punishment. Remember – training should be fun for you and your dog, and provides an opportunity to improve your special bond. Learn more about the different types of training and how to start.
Pet Owner Responsibilities
Follow the tips below to help prevent your pet from getting lost, and if they do, ensure they get home quickly. Find out what to do if your pet is missing, and learn more about our Lost & Found services.
- Put a collar and tag on them! A collar and tag means that if they wander, someone can contact you to get them back home before they go too far. Some dog breeds are more prone to wander — you may want to consider a GPS collar!
- Make sure they are microchipped. A microchip means they always have ID. Sign up for an OHS microchip clinic today!
- Sterilize them! Pets wander less if they’re not lured away by another in-heat animal.
- Keep your cat indoors…it’s safer for them. Even cats who “usually” stay in the yard can be frightened away or chase animals. It’s a myth that cats can always find their way home.
- Make sure collars and leashes are well fitted and functioning, and monitor regularly. A newly groomed pet’s neck may require a collar adjustment!
- Make sure they are trained. Dogs with good recall can be called back before they run too far and get lost. (Need training? See how OHS can help!)
- Keep careful control during transit. Many pets become lost when they bolt from a vehicle. Make sure pets in vehicles are contained in carriers or are wearing seat belts, so that you can control their entry and exit.
- Keep screens and fences in good repair. We receive many lost reports because cats pushed through a screen or dogs wiggled between loose fence posts.
- Train your family. Many animals escape because a child (or their friend) left the door open or dropped the leash on a walk.
- Take extra precautions during changes in routine. Many pets go missing when something’s different — have plans in place to ensure their safety during:
- Renovations or construction inside or outside the home. Talk to workers to make sure they’re not leaving doors open, and consider keeping pets in enclosed rooms while there’s major activity going on in your house.
- Vacations — many pets escape pet sitters and dog walkers. Make sure your pet sitter or dog walker understand your pet’s routines and habits.
- Extreme weather and fireworks makes many animals anxious, and more prone to bolt through open doors.
- Household changes (new pet, new baby) — big changes can upset pets.
- Visitors — make sure they know to keep doors closed and what to do around pets).
- Make a plan for your pet in case of an emergency. Learn more about emergency preparedness and pets.
- Keep a recent picture of your pet on your phone at all times, so you can show it to people quickly if your pet does stray.
- Know the first steps to take so you can act fast if your pet does stray. Learn how to find your lost pet.
Your dog won't pick up their own poop. As their owner, it's your responsibility to pick up after them.
The outdoors is a great way to keep your pet happy and healthy, but it's best to make sure your pet is safe while enjoying the outdoors.
The City of Ottawa has a few by-laws that affect pet owners. Find out what you need to know as a pet owner.
Does gaining a baby mean losing your pet?
Every year in Ottawa hundreds of animals are surrendered to the OHS when a new baby arrives. Myths and false information about cats and dogs frighten new parents into giving up their animal friend, who could be a warm and loving companion for a child.
With a few simple steps, you can ensure that your pet stays with you and your growing family.
While pregnant, can living with a cat cause birth defects?
Toxoplasmosis can cause serious birth defects. While the disease-causing parasite can be found in the feces of cats, it is more commonly found in uncooked or undercooked meat. Toxoplasmosis is uncommon in Canada, and transmission through the family cat is extremely rare. Have someone other than the pregnant woman clean the litter box. If the pregnant woman must clean the litter box, she should wear rubber gloves and a face mask, and thoroughly wash her hands afterward. She should also wear gloves while gardening to avoid coming into contact with feces from outdoor cats, and thoroughly wash her hands afterward.
Consult your physician if you are concerned about the risks of toxoplasmosis.
How will my pet react to the new baby?
The addition of a new family member may be difficult for your pet. All animals react if their routine is disrupted, or they feel they have been displaced. So it’s understandable that your pet may experience something like sibling rivalry when you introduce a new baby into your household.
You can minimize this feeling by working with your pet before you bring home your baby.
How can I prepare my pet for the new baby?
Gradually accustom your pet to spending less time with you. Avoid drastically decreasing attention after the baby comes home, which will likely make your pet feel stressed. If your pet is particularly attached to the mother-to-be, another family member should develop a closer relationship with the animal to ensure that the animal doesn’t suddenly feel abandoned when the new baby arrives.
Below are several suggestions to make introducing your pet to your baby safer and smoother for all. Carry out these changes months before the baby’s arrival to best prepare your pet:
- Sign up for an OHS webinar on pets and babies.
- Address any pet training and behaviour issues before the baby arrives.
- If your pet’s behaviour includes gentle nibbling or pouncing, or swatting at you and others, redirect that behaviour to appropriate objects.
- Get your pet used to nail trims.
- Train your pet to remain calmly on the floor beside you until you invite them on your lap, which will soon cradle a newborn.
- Encourage friends with infants to visit your home to accustom your pet to babies. Supervise all pet and infant interactions.
- Accustom your pet to baby-related noises. For example, play recordings of a baby crying, turn on a mechanical infant swing, and use a rocking chair.
- Sprinkle baby powder or baby oil on your skin so your pet becomes familiar with the new smells.
- To discourage your pet from jumping on the baby’s crib and changing table, apply doublestick tape to the furniture.
- If the baby’s room will be off-limits to your pet, install a sturdy barrier such as a removable gate (available at pet or baby supply stores) or even a screen door. Your pet will see and hear what’s
happening in the room and feel less isolated. - Before the baby arrives, get your dog used to going for a walk with a stroller. Also, use a baby doll to help your pet get used to the real thing. Carry around a swaddled baby doll, take the doll in the stroller when you walk your dog, and use the doll to get your pet used to routine baby activities.
- Talk to your pet about the baby, using the baby’s name if you’ve selected one.
- Finally, plan ahead to make sure your pet is cared for while you’re at the birthing centre.
How should I introduce my pet to the baby?
Before you bring your baby home from the hospital, have your partner or friend take home something with the baby’s scent (such as a blanket) for your pet to investigate. When you return from the hospital, have someone else take the baby into another room while you give your pet a warm, but calm, welcome. After the initial greeting, bring your pet with you to sit next to the baby; reward your pet with treats for appropriate behaviour. Never force your pet to get near the baby; you want your pet to view their time with you and the baby as a positive experience.
My pet has met the baby, now what?
Try to maintain regular routines as much as possible to help your pet adjust. And be sure you or another family member spends one-on-one quality time with your pet each day — it may help relax you too! In addition:
- Never leave the baby and your pet alone together, even after the baby is crawling or walking. This will protect your child from an exuberant pet and your pet from an enthusiastic child.
- Spend time with your pet and baby together, so your pet views the newcomer and the new relationship as a positive experience.
- To help keep a good routine for your dog, consider finding and hiring a part-time dog walker for at least the first few months after the baby has arrived.
- Don’t assume allergy symptoms, if they arise, are caused by a pet. Many allergies are to other things like laundry detergents or new food. If your child shows symptoms of allergies, consult an allergist