Pet Care Hub
Elevating Your Game for You and Your Pet
Welcoming a cat or dog into your home brings joy, and with it comes a commitment to providing love, care, and an enriching environment for the rest of their life. While Michigan state laws and Detroit city ordinances set the baseline for responsible pet ownership, true happiness for your furry friends and fulfillment as a pet owner goes beyond mere compliance. Here's a guide on how to elevate your care for cats and dogs, ensuring a life filled with love, joy, and well-rounded experiences.
Food & Water
Food must be appropriate to the species (dog, cat, etc.) and in an amount that keeps the animal at a healthy weight. Water must be potable and cannot be liquid - snow and ice are not adequate.
Shelter
Shelter should preferably be inside your residence with you. Animals kept outside for any length of time must have adequate shelter and dry bedding.
Veterinary Care
Beyond legal requirements for basic care and rabies vaccines, it’s important to schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your pet's health and address any issues promptly.
Behavior
Regular training sessions, walks, and games using positive reinforcement techniques, strengthen the bond between you and your pet. It’s fun, too!
Housing
Pets are family, and that includes all breeds, including pit bulls. Learn how to find housing and keep your your whole family together - people and pets.
Safety
Sharing our lives with pets brings immense joy and companionship, but it's essential to prioritize safety to ensure a harmonious relationship. Dog bites can happen, but the risk can be significantly reduced.
Pet Identification
1 in 3 pets are lost at least once during their lifetimes, and only 16% of lost pets are reunited with their families. Give your pets identification to help them find their way home and ensure a quick reunion.
Community
Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control partners with the Detroit Public Library to host community conversations and offer resources to pet lovers. Join us as we share and learn together.
Be a Good Neighbor
Detroit, being a bustling city, has some regulations tailored to the urban environment:
Noise Regulations: Detroit has noise ordinances in place, and this includes barking dogs. Ensure that your dog's barking doesn't become a nuisance to neighbors, especially during late hours.
Leash Laws: In public spaces, dogs must be a on a 6-foot leash.
Pooper Scooper Laws: Responsible pet ownership extends to cleaning up after your dog. Detroit requires pet owners to promptly clean up and dispose of their dog's waste in public spaces.
Dogs in Parks: While many parks are dog-friendly, there may be specific rules and designated areas for off-leash activities. Be sure to adhere to these guidelines to maintain a harmonious environment for all park goers.
