Learn Four Things You May Be Required To Do When You Purchase A Puppy
When you get a new puppy, there are a lot of things that you need to do in order to take care of the puppy as well as you can. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they simply need to worry about housebreaking their puppy and that there are no other major issues they need to address, but that is not the case at all. The following guide walks you through a few things that you may be required to do when you have a puppy, depending on where you live.
Get the Dog Vaccinated for Rabies
All dogs must be vaccinated for rabies in order to ensure that an epidemic does not spread like wildfire if multiple animals were not vaccinated. You can get the dog vaccinated at any vet's office. After your dog is vaccinated, you will get a certificate that shows when and where they got their vaccination. The rabies shot will be good for a specific period of time and then you will need to get your dog revaccinated to renew their rabies licensing.
Dogs Need to Wear Identification Tags
After you get your dog vaccinated, there are identification tags that you can have made that identify who your dog is and what day they were vaccinated. This is an important tag to have because it allows people to know that your dog is vaccinated quickly and easily.
Get Your Dog Licensed
There are some jurisdictions that require you to license your dog. You have to prove that your dog has been vaccinated for rabies and pay a fee for the license. The license will only be good for a specific period of time, so you will have to renew it, as well.
Microchipping Your Dog May Also Be Required
Some areas that have numerous dogs in the area require the dogs to be microchipped so that they can be easily identified if they get lost. Microchipping is very inexpensive. A vet will put a microchip under your dog's skin that can be scanned to determine your contact information so that you can come and get your dog right away.
All of these steps are designed to keep your pet as safe as he or she can be at all times. None of them are overly expensive to have done but are well worth the cost when you consider that they could save your dog's life one day in the future.