Most responsible pet owners want to ensure their pets are well cared for and happy. However, animal neglect and abuse still happen. People who intentionally harm animals are often more likely to harm other people, such as children or the elderly. Reporting suspected animal abuse to your local police department, animal control agency, or animal humane society can help protect both animals and people. For more information, see How Do I Report Suspected Abuse? from the National Link Coalition (https://nationallinkcoalition.org/how-do-i-report-suspected-abuse).
Neglect is more common than outright abuse and can happen unintentionally. This might include not feeding pets a proper diet, failing to provide enough space or care, or not taking pets to the vet regularly. Animal hoarding (keeping more animals than you can care for) is another form of neglect and may occur more commonly among pet owners with mental health issues.
A broader issue is the abandonment of pets. Although the number of people giving up pets has decreased, abandonment remains a major problem. Pet owners who lack knowledge about animal care are more likely to abandon a pet, especially if the pet has behavior issues or if the owner has unrealistic expectations about pet ownership. If you are experiencing behavior issues with your dog or cat, reach out to your veterinarian.
Anyone thinking of getting a pet should thoroughly research the animal's specific needs, including diet, exercise, housing, and health care. Surgery to prevent pets from breeding (called spaying in females or neutering in males) is also an important consideration, as it prevents unwanted litters and provides health benefits, such as preventing certain cancers in animals later in life (for example, breast cancer and uterine tumors). Consulting with a veterinarian before bringing an animal home can help you make an informed decision and understand the responsibilities of pet ownership, lessening the chances that you'll give up your pet when faced with challenges.
