Responsible Dog Ownership Day
The Fourth Annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day is September 16, 2006. Fun and educational events will be held across the country during the month of September. Do you have a mixed breed dog? This event welcomes all dogs, not just AKC-registrable dogs.
Visit the AKC’s website for events near your home. If there aren’t any events in your area this year, why not help plan one for next year?
(Added 092206) Take a peek at the festivities at AKC’s headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina and those in New York. Scroll down for loads of photos and video clips (NC only). It looks like it was a lot of fun!
In the spirit of this event, the AKC encourages everyone to sign the Pet Promise (below).
Many people would add one more item to the Pet Promise. If you are a pet owner, please save lives by spaying or neutering your dogs and cats. So many animals are euthanized each year because there aren’t enough homes. Please be part of the solution, and not the problem.
RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER PET PROMISE
As a dog owner, I do solemnly swear:
- I will never overlook my responsibilities for this living being and recognize that my dog’s welfare is totally dependent on me.
- I will always provide fresh water and quality food for my dog.
- I will socialize my dog via exposure to new people, places and other dogs.
- I will take pride in my dog’s appearance with regular grooming.
- I will recognize the necessity of basic training by teaching my dog to reliably sit, stay and come when called.
- I will take my dog to the vet regularly and keep all vaccinations current.
- I will pick-up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste.
- I will make sure my dog is regarded as an AKC Canine Good Citizen® by being aware of my responsibilities to my neighbors and to the community.
- I will ensure that the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation appropriate for my dog’s age, breed and energy level is provided.
- I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification (which may include collar tags, tattoo or microchip ID.)
- I will adhere to local leash laws.
Click here for a version of the above suited to printing and signing.
Dogs do so much for us, it is an honor to make this promise for them.
