46 THE QUEENS COURIER • PETS • APRIL 4, 2019 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
pets
5 important facts to teach kids about pet ownership
Kids instinctively love animals. Children
begin learning about animal species, their
habitats and behavior during elementary
school, and this is when children also
become more interested and involved
in caring for family pets. Th ey may even
become pet owners for the fi rst time at
this age. Learning about animal care is
fun for kids, while also teaching them life
lessons about empathy, compassion and
responsibility.
Here are fi ve important facts that children
need to know about pet care.
All pets need water
Water is essential for every pet, every
day (some even live in water). Keep water
dishes or bottles clean so their water is
always good to drink.
Pets need particular food
PetSmart is a great place to fi nd the
right food for any pet. While some (like
rabbits) eat fresh vegetables like you, most
pets don’t thrive on people food. Feeding
them scraps from your plate is not a good
idea, as some food might be bad for them.
Each pet needs a different
habitat
While cats or dogs share our homes, others
require special houses. Fish need aquariums
with water that’s fi ltered, at the correct
temperature. Smaller pets need cages -
they’re not litter-trained, and they’re small
enough to get lost in your house. Reptiles
need glass enclosures called “vivariums”
and require heat to be comfortable. Birds
need cages to prevent them from escaping.
Whatever habitat your pet requires, it’s
important to keep it clean and give them
toys to entertain them.
Pets need socializing
Just like people, pets can get lonely.
Dogs need lots of human time, and
walks to go to the bathroom and exercise.
While cats seem like loners, they’re actually
quite social. Even a cat who doesn’t
want to cuddle may sit nearby. Fish or
gerbils are more contented with the presence
of an animal of the same species.
Adopting two pets together can prevent
loneliness.
Just like you, pets
need check-ups
Finally, most pets need regular checkups.
Vet visits can be costly, so before
becoming a pet owner, make sure you’re
prepared. Pet ownership is a serious
responsibility - their health and care is
now up to you.
Understanding these important facts
about pet care for each type of animal
can help every family fi nd the right pet.
According to the ASPCA, about 3.2 million
cats and 3.3 million dogs are brought
to shelters each year. Whenever you’re
looking for a pet, remember that there
are always many more available than
human families to give them homes.
Individual pet owners, families, communities
and companies can all play a
part in ensuring that animals are provided
shelter while they wait for their
forever homes, and in encouraging their
adoption. Animal companions give so
much to the families who love them,
and communities can help more pets
get adopted by providing know-how.
Learning which type of pet may be
right for you and your family can start
with a program such as Pets Like U at
PetSmart stores around the country.
Specially designed and supported by
the Field Trip Factory for grades K-2 or
3-6, the program teaches children about
the needs, care and behavior of diff erent
types of pets, whether furry, fi shy
or scaly.
“Our experiential programs teach students
important life skills within real
life environments in a fun and engaging
way. We receive consistent feedback
from educators that their students
show greater retention of the key
learning concepts and higher interest
in the corresponding curriculum subject,”
says Field Trip Factory president
Etienne Veber.
Courtesy BPT
NORTH SHORE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
42-02 215 Street Bayside, NY 11361 | P: 718.423.9600 | F: 718.428.8407 | www.vitalpet.com
PET HEALTH CENTERS
Services Provided:
Physical Therapy & Acupuncture
Diagnostic Testing
Digital Radiology
Endoscopy
Onsite Laboratory & Pharmacy
Oxygen Therapy
Regular Check-ups & Wellness Plans
Surgical & Dental Suite
Ultrasound
And much more!
North Shore Animal
League America’s
Pet Health Centers
offer compassionate,
affordable, high quality
veterinary and wellness
care for your pets.
COME
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TODAY!
Open Open 7 7 days days a a week week f
from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
16 Lewyt Street
Port Washington, NY 11050
Call 516.883.2000
for an appointment today!
For more information visit us:
phcanimalleague.org
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