New year’s resolutions are not only for us humans but also for our fur buddies.
A new year has begun and as we write down our goals, don’t forget to consider the welfare of your service animal. The principal task of service animals is to assist us in our daily lives. Still, as owners, we are responsible for taking care of them. So this year, consider the things that could improve your buddy’s physical and mental state.
Here are 5 new year goals that service animal handlers can set for their companion.
1. Provide a healthier diet.
Service animals need proper nutrition so they can carry out their responsibilities. Their diet depends on what type of animal they are, so ask the veterinarian for recommendations. It would help if you also took note of the service animal’s breed and age to ensure that they’re getting what they need and not under or overfed. Avoid giving too many treats to reduce the risk of diabetes and other diseases.
2. Do regular checkups.
Regular visits to the veterinarian are very important to know if your service animal has underlying conditions and get them the treatment they need immediately. Service dogs are recommended to have their checkup at least once a year. And always check for sudden mood changes as they can indicate health problems. Ask your veterinarian if there’s a maintenance medication that they need to take to help prevent problems that may arise.
3. Provide mental and physical stimulation.
Service animals, like other pets, shouldn’t just be on standby. They also need some mental and physical stimulation to keep their active nature. You don’t have to plan for big parties or long drives. A simple walk in the neighborhood is enough for dogs. If you have cats, you can visit your local pet stores to get some toys like plush mice and feathers. The best way to stimulate your fur buddy is to spend time with them. Make sure you include that in your new year goals.
4. Enroll for insurance.
While service animals are highly trained to help you with specific disabilities, they can still get sick or injured. So one goal that you should set as a service animal handler is to get pet insurance. Now, you can choose from various plans that meet their needs and fit your budget. Check out this website to discover different pet insurance companies in 2023.
5. Keep up with training.
Service animals are highly trained to fulfill one’s specific needs. However, they need to remain trained to achieve exemplary service standards and ensure that their handler is always safe. Note that after acquiring a service animal, it’s your responsibility to continually work with the organization that trains them.
As a final note, always consider the health of your service animal when setting goals. Spend more quality time with them. Show your appreciation for their service by providing for their needs, including your love and affection.
Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.
The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.
Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below. 