Instructions
Feed your pet on a regular feeding schedule. Forgetting or not bothering to feed your pet is neglectful and also disrespectful of your pet's need to eat.
Clean your pet's food and water bowls frequently. Bacteria can grow in the dishes due to organisms in the environment, and it is respectful to keep the bowls clean so that your pet is not exposed to bacteria that can make it sick. Additionally, food and water may not taste good to your pet if the dishes have not been cleaned out in a while. If you give your pet wet food or human food, wash out the bowl with warm water and soap afterwards. If you only feed your pet dry food, you can wipe out the dish with a damp cloth between cleanings. Change your pet's water dish on a regular basis and clean it well every day.
Allow your pet to go to the bathroom when it needs to. If you have a house-trained dog, it will let you know when it needs to be let outside. While pets can hold their bladder, it is still important and respectful to allow them to eliminate rather than forcing them to hold it in. If you have a cat, ensure that you clean out its litter box at least once a day, and replace the litter once a week.
Give your pet a comfortable place to sleep. Some pets enjoy sleeping on pillows, in pet beds or on the couch. Decide where the best place is for your pet to sleep and make sure that this spot is made comfortable and kept clean.
Do not leave your pet outside in undesirable weather, such as extreme cold, heat, wind storms or downpours. You should always provide shelter for your pets.
Let your pet take naps. Even hyperactive puppies or kittens need a chance to relax and catch up on their sleep. If your pet is napping, do your best to let it relax, even if you want to play with it. It will wake up on its own soon enough.
Tend to your pet's medical needs. Schedule regular check-ups as advised by your veterinarian. If you notice that your pet is sick, take it to the vet. It could be that your pet needs medicine, allergy pills or another form of medical treatment. Neglecting to take your pet to the vet is not respectful of your pet's health.
Groom your pet. Bathe it, brush and cut its fur and trim its nails. Keep your pet's ears and teeth clean, too.
Show your pet affection and include your pet in activities when you can, such as taking walks or going to the park. Interact with your pet to give it some exercise and make it feel appreciated in your home.
How to Respect Your Pet
Being a pet owner requires you to understand your pet's needs, and know how to treat your pet with respect. Your pet is a part of the family, and should be nurtured, comforted and provided for similarly to how you would take care of children. Since you cannot communicate with your pet the way you can with people, it may take you some time to understand what your pet needs or wants from you.