Responsible Pet Ownership

In my opinion along with my experience at the Durham Animal Shelter, I believe that responsible pet ownership is based around being accountable. When one decides they want to own a dog/cat/critter/etc they need to make sure that they are ready. The person needs to  be accountable for their actions. Instead of blindly purchasing an animal because you feel sorry or because it is so cute or because you want to surprise your significant other, one should be prepared. Being a responsible pet owner means that you have the funds to be able to care for the dog in the worst conditions, meaning that if the dog gets sick or happens to eat plastic and needs a minor surgery, one should be able to afford that. Also, I feel that responsible pet ownership also entails ones time. A person shouldn't purchase a pet if they work forty hours a week. It is not fair to the animal to be locked in a house or cage all of the time. Also, one should make sure that they have enough space for the animal. I know a man who owns a Great Dane yet lives in a one-bedroom apartment... that is not fair to the dog that is literally the same height as him when standing on its hind legs.
Shelter Worker, Anonymous: "I believe that responsible pet ownership is treating the animal as if they are becoming part of the family. The new owner needs to be responsible for themselves before they can be responsible for their animal."
Shelter Visitor, Anonymous: "Responsible Pet Ownership means being responsible for the animal under all circumstances. You should treat your animal with respect as if it were a human; it needs to be fed, it needs to go to the 'doctor' for check ups, and it needs love and attention."

This picture is the BEST representation of responsible pet ownership. This image displays the wonderful dog Broady and his amazing owner, Sarah. Sarah adopted Broady after a long time of visits to the animal shelter she volunteered at. She didn't give in on a whim or feel sorry for the dog; over accumulated time her and the dog grew a strong bond and she found out they were made for each other. After well thought out time, she adopted Broad and treats him like a prince. She brings him EVERYWHERE! One day she had to work and I asked her to hang out and her response was "I want to spend time with Broady today because I haven't seen him all day." If she is busy and can't be with the dog she gives him the time he deserves at the end of the day. She constantly takes him to the dog park. Even if she goes out to grab a drink she brings her friend along and makes sure there is out door seating so Broady can be part of the crowd too. She loves this dog so much she even has a tattoo of his exact paw print on her foot.