From companionship to protection, pets can bring a tremendous amount to their owners’ lives. However, it is a two-way street for caring for pets. Being a responsible animal owner is important, not just because it is the right thing to do for the animal’s sake but also because mistreated animals are much more likely to engage in aggressive behavior.

Pet owners can take the following basic steps to ensure that their pets remain safe and feel loved.

ID Tags

It is a common refrain among pet owners, “My dog is always on a leash, so I don’t need to have an ID tag.” However, dogs have been known to slip their leash, and owners may occasionally miss-latch the leash to their pet’s collar. ID tags cost only a few dollars and are widely available.

Obtain a License

The local government may have mandatory registration laws depending on where you live. For example, in Chicago, owners of all dogs over four months old must register their pets. When you register your pet, the city assigns your dog an “emblem number,” which you can place on their ID tag. If a dog gets lost, anyone who finds the animal can call the lost dog hotline, providing the emblem number. This helps the city locate lost animals and protects the community.

Proper Shelter

Dogs thrive when they can have frequent contact with their family. And while dogs also need to spend time outside, it is crucial for a dog’s physical and mental health not to leave them outside alone for extended periods of time. Doing so can cause a dog to develop anti-social tendencies, leading to the animal becoming aggressive. When dogs are kept outside, they should be provided a doghouse or similar shelter that provides warmth and protection from the elements.

Off-Property, On Leash

Anytime you take your pet off your property, be sure to place a leash on them. Even if your pet has a collar, an ID tag, is vaccinated and is generally well-behaved, it is best to always keep a dog on a leash for everyone’s protection.

Regular Check-Ups

Dogs, like people, should receive regular medical check-ups to ensure they remain healthy. Taking your pet to the veterinarian regularly ensures that any medical conditions are caught early, increasing the treatment options.

Spay or Neuter

Overpopulation is a genuine concern, especially in large metropolitan areas like Chicago. When dogs have puppies that an owner cannot properly care for, the puppies are more likely to end up living in homes that do not provide them with the care and love they need to thrive. Thus, this is important not only from the animal’s perspective but also for the community’s safety.

Show Compassion

Dogs are very social animals and have feelings akin to human emotions. They feel joy, happiness, sadness, and fear. Animals that too often experience negative emotions are much more inclined to act out, whether showing signs of aggression or having accidents in the home.

Dogs can provide years of companionship and love to their owners. However, dog owners should take the necessary steps to ensure that their pets are properly cared for. Pet owners who fail to provide a nurturing and safe environment for their pets may end up facing legal liability. For example, Chicago has strict animal shelter and leash laws that can result in criminal charges against a pet owner. Similarly, if an animal attacks another person, the pet’s owner may be liable through a dog bite lawsuit.

Have You Been Injured by Another’s Pet?

If you or a loved one recently suffered serious injuries in a dog bite or other domestic animal attack, reach out to the Chicago dog bite lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for immediate assistance. Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers has vast experience representing dog bite victims in claims against animal owners. We understand that the road to recovery after a dog bite attack is a long one, and we do everything possible to make the recovery process as easy for you as possible. To learn more about Chicago dog bite laws and discuss your claim with an experienced attorney, give Briskman Briskman & Greenberg a call today at 877-595-4878. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.