Responsible pet ownership
PAWS of Jackson Hole is committed to helping pet owners raise happy, healthy, well-behaved animals.
Owning a pet is not just a privilege, it is a responsibility. These animals depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. If you are considering taking a pet into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment that pet ownership entails. If you already have a pet, you need to consider if you are fulfilling all your obligations as its owner.
Realize that owning a pet is a lifetime commitment, and dedicate yourself to the life of your pet.
Learn all you can about proper veterinary care, vaccinations, de-worming, and proper feeding, and invest in proper care throughout your pet’s life.
Spay or neuter your pet. This will prevent accidental breeding and may prevent illnesses that can be difficult and costly to treat.
Train your dog through gentle means to be a good canine citizen. Include basic commands like sit, stay, and teach your pet to respond to your voice command.
Ask people, “Is it ok if my dog greets you (or your dog)?”, before your dog approaches others.
Know that your dog requires regular exercise to ensure good health. This will benefit his health and could prevent behavior problems.
I.D. & license your dog - Your dog should wear an identification tag with your name, address and phone number at all times. In addition, you should license your dog every year in your town. This will increase the chances of him being returned to you if he is lost or runs away.
Obey the laws set for your protection and the protection of others, even when your dog "doesn't need a leash."
Teach your children to respect animals and not abuse them through rough play or other activities.
Scoop the poop! Poop on the ground accumulates faster than it can decompose. Please help keep our town and pathways beautiful by picking up after your pet.
Set a good example. As a dog owner, you are responsible not only for your own dog's well being, but for the status of dogs everywhere. One irresponsible dog owner in town can make life difficult for all dog owners. Owning a friendly, clean, well-mannered dog reflects positively on the species and may help protect our rights to own companion animals.