Responsibility

Having a pet takes responsibility. Animals look to people for care and love. Cory the Clown and Betty White explore the needs of pets.

Pets are fun, but it takes responsibility to have a pet. Always treat animals gently. Okey, dokey. If you want a pet, here is a list of questions to see if you are ready for one:

• Do you have the room for a pet?
• Will you buy food especially made for the pet, so the pet will stay healthy?
• Will you or someone in your family be home to care for the pet daily?
• Will your family take the pet to the veterinarian for regular checkups?
• Will you clean up after your pet and groom your pet as needed?
• Will you walk your pet and give your pet exercise?

If you answered "yes" to all of the questions, that's great and you're ready for a pet!

Have your dogs and cats licensed and registered with your town or city. If they get lost and are found, you can be re-united. Don't let your animals run loose-- they can get hit by a car or get lost or get attacked by other animals.

Get your pet neutered or spayed so they don't have babies. There are too many unwanted animals born each year that can't find homes.

Dogs can run fast, but aren't strong enough to keep up with a bicycle. It's dangerous to ride or run distances with a dog running alongside. Don't do it.

Animals should always have fresh water and shade available. Keep your pets out of cold or heat. It's best to have a pet live indoors.

If you're ready for a pet, contact your local pound or animal shelter. These animals need a home the most. Okey,... dokey!

For more information on care for pets, contact: The Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L. Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, or go to their web site at www.hsus.org, or your local Humane Society.