Educational Material

Images of the companion animal as an integral part of the American family are ubiquitous, and stand in stark contrast to the fact that each year millions of dogs and cats are relinquished at animal shelters, abandoned, or passed on to other owners. A substantial body of literature documents that humans benefit medically and psychologically from their bond with companion animals. On the other hand, when that bond fails to develop, or deteriorates, not only do animals suffer, but society must also cope with the task of caring for the animals. The fact that millions of animals are euthanized each year is both a financial and psychological burden.
Research conducted by the NCPPSP reveals that many human-companion animal relationships fail because people have inaccurate and inappropriate expectations of their pet's medical and behavioral needs, and their role and responsibility in providing for these needs.

The public should be exposed to frequent and consistent messages regarding the needs of companion animals. Individuals and groups associated with acquisition and care of companion animals must cooperate to provide pet owners and potential pet owners with information needed to select the proper companion animal for their lifestyle, the importance of proper training and veterinary care, and community resources available to help them establish and maintain a positive and lasting bond with their pet.

Animal related professions and industries such as animal control agencies, animal shelters, retailers that sell pets and pet supplies, breeders and veterinarians should all provide information on the benefits of proper nutrition, training, neutering, and other elements of responsible care for companion dogs and cats. 

Veterinary Education

Veterinarians and their staff have traditionally done an excellent job addressing issues related to animal medical conditions. Their individual consultations with millions of pet owners each year afford a unique opportunity to provide the public with information on proper care of animal companions and the obligations of responsible pet ownership. Research conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) indicates that not only is it important to provide pet owners with information on vaccination and other medical procedures, but that present and prospective pet owners must be counseled about the behavioral needs of pets and the responsibilities of pet ownership.

It is important for veterinarians to understand the critical role they play in the pet population dynamic and responsible pet ownership. Unfortunately, a lack of empirical evidence related to these issues and crowded curricula have made it difficult for veterinary schools to address these subjects. Research conducted by the NCPPSP and others now provides a strong empirical model on which to base lectures and discussions on pet population dynamics. Students and the profession will best understand their role, and that of the pet owner, in preventing problems that result in broken bonds between people and their companion animals, if these issues are covered in many courses and seminars. Pet population dynamics and problems can be a part of epidemiology and public health classes, and prepubertal spay/neuter and its role in decreasing unwanted pets should be encouraged in surgical training. Learning about the importance of the human-animal bond should be encouraged as part of client relations and practice economics.

Further, it is critical that veterinary students receive training in basic animal behavior. NCPPSP research shows that behavioral problems account for about a third of all animals turned in to animal shelters. This represents millions of animals dying as a result of a preventable condition, if the veterinarian is prepared to provide the correct preventive, diagnostic, treatment, and referral options to the pet owner.