THE RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER
Hidden Hills Animal Hospital Small Animals & Exotics
4899 Redan Road Stone Mountain, GA 30088
(404) 296-3400
Dr. Paul E. Norwood
A few families have all the money, cars, clothes, etc. that they need (and want) and life is not difficult for them. Other families have less of these things and have a hard time getting along. Families in both groups can provide loving homes for pets. We particularly want to help those who must live within a very limited budget, yet want to be responsible pet owners.
Unfortunately, there are many people who are not always dependable. In spite of good intentions, their pets receive poor care and are sick more frequently (and for longer times) then the more fortunate pets. Some of these unfortunate pets even die from a lack of owner responsibility.
If we are to be of any help to those people having a hard time in life, we must INSIST they meet us half-way on certain pet health care recommendations. We need their help in avoiding unnecessary veterinary costs and fees that must be charged.
We hope everyone will act in a responsible manner when considering the adoption of a new pet. The following recommendations should be considered:
1. Carefully consider your ability to properly care for the pet you select. This includes both time and financial resources.
2. Feed the best quality pet food you can afford. Proper nutrition is a major building block of preventive health care.
3. Ask our advice ANYTIME before you make a major decision for your pet.
4. Follow our recommended wellness care program. If you are unable to pay the full amount of each visit ask us about CareCredit. We offer CareCredit to our clients because your pet is an important part of your family. CareCredit is a convenient, low minimum monthly payment program to help you accept the best treatment recommendation for your pets.
5. Be a responsible pet owner in your community. Respect the rights of your neighbors and landlord. Spay/neuter your pet at the appropriate age to help stop the pet overpopulation problem.
6. Your pet should be treated as every other family member. We would hope that proper preventive health care for your pet would be put ahead of tobacco, alcohol, and other purely luxury items. WE do everything possible to maintain affordable fees. A typical family would spend more on a fast-food meal and a night of recreation than it costs to properly protect your four-legged family member each year. It simply is a matter of priorities. Everyone should remember that the cost of treating a sick pet is usually much greater then the cost to prevent disease through a proper preventive health care program.
