In Defense of Animals (IDA)– a non-profit organization which strives to put a stop to animal abuse and exploitation– has deemed May Responsible Animal Guardian Month.

What makes a responsible animal guardian?

• Grooming to ensure healthy skin and coat
• Training to have a happy, stress-free life without behavioral issues
• Regular vet visits to keep tabs on health
• Healthy, nutritious food
• Daily, breed appropriate exercise
• Microchipping
• Adopting only through responsible rescues/shelters and ethical breeders
• Tending to emotional needs
• Always treating with compassion
• Reporting suspected abuse

Some fun facts about animal guardians:

• 97% believe their pets understand them
• 78% imagine what their pets would say and speak for them
• 53% have taken off work at least once to take care of a sick pet
• 70% of people sign their pet’s name on a greeting card
• 58% include their pets in family/holiday portraits
• 78% think of their pets as children
• 84% display photographs of them