Pet-iquette

Dear Cotillion Students,

I hope that you are doing well. A favorite topic among my students is their pets! Over the course of my life I have had: a pair of lambs (my grandfather had a ranch), a Palomino, a Bay, a Samoyed Husky, a German Shepherd, a Black Lab and the sweetest mutt you could ever hope to meet. Each one added a great deal to my life, and each one was a responsibility. Pets are such an important part of our lives for many of us; but as with all areas of our life, there is etiquette for dealing with pets. Today, I would like to talk to you about ‘pet-iquette!’

As ladies and gentlemen, we know that we have a responsibility to care for our pets, as well as show respect for others in the way that we care for and control our pets. 

Showing respect and caring for your pet:

• Make sure that they have water
• Feed them regularly and on time
• Exercise them and walk them regularly
• Keep their living space (stall, kennel, bed, aquarium, litter box, etc.) clean
• Keep their vaccinations up to date
• Keep them clean and well groomed – it will make it nicer for them and for you!
• Keep them away from aggressive animals or animals that might be ill 
• No matter how busy or tired you are, they must be taken care of. They are not able to take care of themselves and rely on you. 
• Give them the love and attention that they need and deserve

Showing respect and consideration for others as a pet owner:

In public:

• You are 100% responsible for your animal’s behavior in public.
• “Scoop the poop” – always clean up after your animal. If you have a dog, always have bags with you, and pick up after them immediately. If you have a horse, make sure that you muck their stall out and keep it clean. If you have a cat, keep litter boxes clean.
• If your pet doesn’t play well with others, keep them home to avoid problems.  
• Know your pet – some pets are more aggressive and/or territorial than others.
• Keep your dog on his leash – leash laws are in place to keep your dog and others safe and property protected.
• Keep your dog out of your neighbor’s yard – this is part of being a good neighbor.
• Keep your pet quiet so that they don’t disturb others.
• Don’t approach someone’s pet without the owner’s permission.

At home:

• Be sure to let a guest know before they come to your home that you have a pet – sometimes allergies are so severe that they might not be able to visit you at your home.
• In your home, keep your pet separated from your guest until you have a chance to check with them to see if they would like to meet your pet.
• If your dog gets excited at meeting the guest, put them in another room until they have a chance to calm down.
• If you visit someone else, do not bring your pet without an invitation.
• Make sure that you have showered, and that you are hair and dander free before going into someone’s home. Allergies are real – and we never want to do something that would cause an adverse affect on someone.
• If you and your pet are invited to someone’s home, take care to control your pet, keep them off of the furniture and from exploring their new surroundings, and don’t feed them at the table. Different families have different rules concerning pets, follow the rules of the home that you are in.

In public and in private:

• Don’t allow your pet to jump on or lick others
• Don’t assume that everyone will love your pet as much as you do
• Be aware that others might be uncomfortable with, afraid of, or allergic to your pet

Service Dogs and Service Dogs in Training are working animals. 

• Never speak to a service dog without speaking to the handler first. It is likely that they will not want you to engage with their dog. Don’t be offended if they don’t want you to talk to or touch their dog, these dogs perform a wonderful service and they are on the job!

I hope that you will be more aware of your pets this week. Show them extra love and kindness. Enjoy them! Remember that having good manners is behaving in a way that makes others feel comfortable and respected, and this includes how we care for and control our pets. Don’t forget your pet-iquette!

I look forward to seeing you soon!

Love,

Mrs. Achiu