Owning a pet comes with added responsibilities. All pets require time, money, and love in addition to the specific needs of each animal and breed. Find out how you can take good care of your pet.

1. Make sure you have a budget set aside for adequate care. Pets are not very expensive, but there will be expenses from time to time. Expenses could include, visits to the vet, body care products, food and toys.

2. Ensure you schedule regular visits to the vet. Pets require regular check ups to spot any condition before it becomes serious. Make sure your pet is on schedule for shots and vaccinations, and you ask the doctor to educate you on what signs to look out for incase of any condition.

3. Ensure you provide food that meets the nutritional needs of the food. Cheapest might not necessarily be the healthiest. Do not feed them with your food, as the human food might contain certain ingredients that are harmless to your pet. With the advice of the vet, as for a list of meals that will keep your pet healthy.

4. You need to create the time to play with them and shower them with affection. Playing with them ensures they get exercise and mental stimulation. Buy toys and play-sets for you and your pet to use together. Occasional treats are good to encourage good behaviour.

5. Create a regular cleaning schedule and stick to it. Clean your pets every 2-3 weeks to avoid disease and bad odor. Clean their cages daily. Some vet clinics have cleaning facilities for pets. For hairy pets, brush their fur regularly.

cc: Seun