Are you considering a fluffy little chick as a pet? Pets.edu.vn dives deep into the world of chick ownership, exploring the legalities, care requirements, and the unique joys and challenges of raising these adorable birds. Discover everything you need to know to provide a happy and healthy life for your feathered friend, from initial setup to long-term commitment. Learn about chick breeds, chick care, and poultry keeping as well.
1. Understanding the Appeal of Chicks as Pets
Chicks, with their soft downy feathers and endearing chirps, hold a special appeal as pets. Their small size and seemingly simple needs can make them seem like an easy addition to the family. However, before bringing a chick home, it’s vital to understand the full scope of what chick ownership entails. They offers companionship and can even produce fresh eggs and other benefits.
1.1. The Allure of Baby Chickens
Baby chickens, or chicks, have an undeniable charm. Their fluffy appearance, tiny size, and constant chirping create a sense of warmth and connection. Many people are drawn to the idea of raising a chick from a young age, watching it grow, and potentially enjoying fresh eggs in the future. This bond can be very fulfilling.
1.2. Beyond the Cuteness: Realities of Chick Ownership
While chicks are undoubtedly adorable, it’s crucial to look beyond the initial appeal and consider the practical realities of caring for them. Chicks require specialized care, including a controlled environment, specific feed, and constant attention to their health and well-being. And they need a space to roam as they get older. This is why Pets.edu.vn is dedicated to providing accurate, reliable information for prospective and current pet owners.
2. Legality and Ethical Considerations of Keeping Chicks
Before acquiring a chick, it’s crucial to research and understand the local laws and regulations regarding poultry ownership. Many municipalities have ordinances restricting the number of chickens allowed, or even prohibiting them altogether. It’s equally important to consider the ethical implications of keeping chicks, ensuring they receive proper care and a suitable environment throughout their lives.
2.1. Local Ordinances and Restrictions
Zoning laws and homeowner association rules often dictate whether or not you can keep chickens on your property. These regulations may cover the number of chickens allowed, coop size and placement, and restrictions on noise and odor. Always check with your local authorities before bringing chicks home to avoid potential fines or legal issues. These regulations are in place for a reason.
2.2. Ethical Sourcing and Responsible Ownership
Where you acquire your chicks matters. Supporting reputable breeders or hatcheries that prioritize the health and welfare of their birds is essential. Avoid purchasing chicks from sources that engage in unethical practices, such as mass hatcheries with poor living conditions. Responsible ownership also means providing adequate space, proper nutrition, and veterinary care for your chicks throughout their lives.
3. Preparing for Your Chick’s Arrival: Essential Supplies and Setup
Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your chick is crucial for its survival and well-being. This involves providing a brooder, heat source, appropriate bedding, and access to fresh food and water. Careful planning and preparation are key to ensuring a smooth transition for your new feathered friend.
3.1. The Brooder: Creating a Safe and Warm Home
A brooder is a designated space for chicks to live in during their first few weeks of life. It should be draft-free, easy to clean, and large enough to accommodate the chicks as they grow. Common brooder options include cardboard boxes, plastic tubs, or commercially available brooder kits.
3.2. Heat Source: Maintaining Optimal Temperature
Chicks require a consistent source of warmth, especially during their first few weeks. A heat lamp is the most common method, but it’s crucial to use it safely and maintain the correct temperature. The temperature should be around 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) for the first week, gradually decreasing by 5 degrees each week until the chicks are fully feathered. Be sure to monitor the chicks’ behavior to ensure they are comfortable.
3.3. Bedding: Keeping the Brooder Clean and Dry
The bottom of the brooder should be lined with absorbent bedding material to keep the chicks clean and dry. Suitable options include pine shavings, paper towels, or commercial chick bedding. Avoid using cedar shavings, as they can be harmful to chicks. The bedding should be changed regularly to prevent the buildup of ammonia and bacteria.
3.4. Food and Water: Providing Essential Nutrients
Chicks need constant access to fresh food and water. Use chick feeders and waterers designed to prevent spillage and contamination. The food should be a specially formulated chick starter feed, providing the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Always ensure the water is clean and fresh, changing it at least once a day.
4. Daily Care and Maintenance for Healthy Chicks
Consistent daily care is essential for raising healthy and happy chicks. This includes monitoring their temperature, providing fresh food and water, cleaning the brooder, and observing their behavior for any signs of illness. A proactive approach to care can prevent many common chick health problems.
4.1. Temperature Monitoring and Adjustment
Regularly check the temperature inside the brooder using a thermometer. Observe the chicks’ behavior to determine if they are too hot or too cold. If they are huddled together under the heat lamp, they are likely too cold. If they are panting or staying away from the heat source, they are too hot. Adjust the height of the heat lamp accordingly.
4.2. Feeding and Watering Routine
Fill the chick feeders and waterers with fresh food and water every day. Clean them regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae. Ensure that all chicks have equal access to food and water. If you notice any chicks being bullied or prevented from eating, separate them and provide individual care.
4.3. Brooder Cleaning and Sanitation
Clean the brooder regularly to maintain a hygienic environment. Remove soiled bedding and replace it with fresh material. Disinfect the brooder at least once a week using a poultry-safe disinfectant. This will help prevent the spread of disease and keep your chicks healthy.
4.4. Observing Chick Behavior and Health
Spend time observing your chicks each day to monitor their behavior and health. Look for signs of illness, such as lethargy, ruffled feathers, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult with a veterinarian experienced in poultry care.
5. Common Chick Health Problems and Prevention
Chicks are susceptible to various health problems, especially during their first few weeks of life. Understanding these common issues and implementing preventative measures can help ensure the health and survival of your chicks.
5.1. Coccidiosis: A Common Intestinal Parasite
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that affects the intestinal tract of chicks. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloody droppings, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Prevention involves maintaining a clean and dry brooder, using coccidiostat-medicated chick starter feed, and avoiding overcrowding.
5.2. Pasty Butt: A Potentially Fatal Condition
Pasty butt, or pasted vent, occurs when droppings stick to the chick’s vent, blocking it and preventing the chick from defecating. This can be fatal if not treated promptly. To prevent pasty butt, ensure the brooder temperature is correct and provide a balanced diet. If you notice a chick with pasty butt, gently clean the vent with a warm, damp cloth.
5.3. Marek’s Disease: A Viral Infection
Marek’s disease is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause tumors, paralysis, and death in chickens. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Marek’s disease. Chicks should be vaccinated at the hatchery shortly after hatching.
5.4. Nutritional Deficiencies: Ensuring a Balanced Diet
Chicks require a balanced diet to support healthy growth and development. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to various health problems, such as leg weakness, stunted growth, and poor feathering. Feed your chicks a high-quality chick starter feed that is specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs.
6. Transitioning Chicks to an Outdoor Coop
As chicks grow and develop their feathers, they will eventually need to be moved from the brooder to an outdoor coop. This transition should be gradual, allowing the chicks to acclimate to the outdoor environment and establish a pecking order.
6.1. When to Move Chicks Outdoors
Chicks can be moved to an outdoor coop when they are fully feathered and the weather is consistently warm. This typically occurs around 6-8 weeks of age. Ensure that the nighttime temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) before moving the chicks outdoors.
6.2. Preparing the Outdoor Coop
The outdoor coop should be spacious, secure, and predator-proof. Provide adequate roosting space, nesting boxes, and a dust bath area. The coop should also have access to a fenced-in run, allowing the chickens to roam and forage safely.
6.3. Gradual Acclimation to the Outdoors
Introduce the chicks to the outdoor coop gradually. Start by allowing them to spend a few hours outside each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors. This will allow them to acclimate to the temperature, sunlight, and other environmental factors.
6.4. Establishing a Pecking Order
When introducing chicks to a new environment, they will establish a pecking order. This is a natural process that involves some initial squabbling and pecking. Monitor the chicks closely to ensure that no individuals are being excessively bullied or injured. Provide ample space and resources to minimize aggression.
7. Long-Term Care and Considerations for Adult Chickens
Raising chicks is a long-term commitment that extends beyond the initial few weeks. Adult chickens require ongoing care, including providing a nutritious diet, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and monitoring their health for any signs of illness.
7.1. Nutritional Needs of Adult Chickens
Adult chickens require a balanced diet to support their health, egg production, and overall well-being. Feed them a high-quality layer feed that is specifically formulated for laying hens. Supplement their diet with fresh greens, fruits, and vegetables.
7.2. Coop Maintenance and Sanitation
Clean the coop regularly to maintain a hygienic environment. Remove soiled bedding and replace it with fresh material. Disinfect the coop at least once a month using a poultry-safe disinfectant. This will help prevent the spread of disease and keep your chickens healthy.
7.3. Predator Protection
Protect your chickens from predators such as foxes, raccoons, hawks, and owls. Ensure that the coop and run are securely fenced and covered with netting. Consider using motion-activated lights or alarms to deter predators.
7.4. Recognizing and Treating Common Chicken Illnesses
Adult chickens are susceptible to various illnesses, such as respiratory infections, parasites, and egg-laying problems. Learn to recognize the signs of common chicken illnesses and consult with a veterinarian experienced in poultry care if you notice any concerning symptoms.
8. Benefits and Joys of Raising Chickens as Pets
Despite the challenges, raising chickens as pets can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Chickens provide companionship, entertainment, and a connection to nature. They can also provide fresh eggs, which are a valuable source of nutrition.
8.1. Companionship and Entertainment
Chickens are social animals that can provide companionship and entertainment. They enjoy interacting with their owners and can be trained to perform simple tricks. Watching chickens forage, dust bathe, and interact with each other can be a source of endless amusement.
8.2. Fresh Eggs: A Nutritious and Delicious Benefit
One of the most appealing benefits of raising chickens is the availability of fresh eggs. Home-raised eggs are often more nutritious and flavorful than store-bought eggs. Plus, you can control the diet of your chickens, ensuring that they are producing healthy and delicious eggs.
8.3. Connecting with Nature and Sustainable Living
Raising chickens can be a way to connect with nature and promote sustainable living. Chickens can help control pests in your garden, reduce food waste, and provide valuable fertilizer for your plants. They can also teach children about responsibility, animal care, and the food cycle.
8.4. Educational Opportunities for Children
Raising chicks and chickens offers valuable educational opportunities for children. It teaches them about animal care, responsibility, and the life cycle. They can learn about different breeds of chickens, their behavior, and their nutritional needs. It’s a fun way to get kids involved.
9. Alternatives to Chickens as Pets
If you are not able to keep chickens due to legal restrictions or personal circumstances, there are many other types of pets that can provide companionship and enjoyment. Consider other types of poultry, such as ducks or quail, or explore other options like rabbits, guinea pigs, or even reptiles.
9.1. Ducks: A Water-Loving Alternative
Ducks are a popular alternative to chickens. They are relatively easy to care for, provide fresh eggs, and can help control pests in your garden. Ducks also enjoy swimming and require access to a source of water.
9.2. Quail: Small and Easy to Manage
Quail are small, ground-dwelling birds that are relatively easy to manage. They require less space than chickens and can be raised in urban environments. Quail also produce delicious eggs and meat.
9.3. Rabbits: Cuddly and Affectionate
Rabbits are popular pets that are known for their cuddly and affectionate nature. They require a spacious hutch, a balanced diet, and regular grooming. Rabbits can be litter-trained and can make excellent indoor pets.
9.4. Guinea Pigs: Social and Entertaining
Guinea pigs are social animals that enjoy interacting with their owners. They require a spacious cage, a balanced diet, and regular handling. Guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for and can make excellent pets for children.
10. Resources and Support for Chick and Chicken Owners
Raising chicks and chickens can be a learning experience, and it’s important to have access to reliable resources and support. There are many books, websites, and organizations that can provide valuable information and assistance.
10.1. Books and Websites on Chicken Keeping
There are many excellent books and websites that provide comprehensive information on chicken keeping. These resources can cover topics such as breed selection, coop design, feeding, health care, and egg production.
10.2. Poultry Associations and Organizations
Poultry associations and organizations can provide valuable support and resources for chicken owners. These organizations often offer educational programs, workshops, and networking opportunities.
10.3. Veterinarians Experienced in Poultry Care
It’s important to have access to a veterinarian who is experienced in poultry care. A veterinarian can provide routine health checkups, diagnose and treat illnesses, and offer advice on preventative care.
10.4. Online Forums and Communities
Online forums and communities can be a valuable source of support and information for chicken owners. These forums allow you to connect with other chicken keepers, ask questions, share experiences, and learn from each other.
Raising chicks can be a wonderful experience, but it’s essential to be prepared for the commitment and responsibilities involved. PETS.EDU.VN is here to guide you every step of the way, providing the information and resources you need to raise healthy and happy chickens. If you’re looking for more in-depth information on specific chick breeds, health concerns, or coop designs, be sure to visit our website at PETS.EDU.VN. Our articles, guides, and expert advice will help you become a confident and successful chicken owner. Connect with our community of pet lovers and experts at 789 Paw Lane, Petville, CA 91234, United States. Whatsapp: +1 555-987-6543. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help you create the best possible life for your feathered friends.
11. Understanding Chick Breeds: Choosing the Right Fit for You
Different chick breeds have different temperaments, egg-laying abilities, and physical characteristics. Researching and selecting a breed that aligns with your goals and lifestyle is essential.
11.1. Popular Egg-Laying Breeds
If your primary goal is to produce fresh eggs, consider breeds known for their prolific egg-laying abilities. Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Australorps are all excellent choices.
11.2. Dual-Purpose Breeds
Dual-purpose breeds are suitable for both egg production and meat. These breeds are typically larger and slower-growing than egg-laying breeds. Plymouth Rocks, Orpingtons, and Wyandottes are popular dual-purpose breeds.
11.3. Bantam Breeds: Small and Compact
Bantam breeds are miniature versions of standard chicken breeds. They are ideal for small spaces and are known for their charming personalities. Silkies, Cochins, and Seabrights are popular bantam breeds.
11.4. Rare and Heritage Breeds
Rare and heritage breeds are becoming increasingly popular among chicken keepers. These breeds are often more resistant to disease and have unique characteristics. Buckeye, Dominique, and Java are examples of rare and heritage breeds.
12. Creating a Safe and Enriching Environment for Chicks and Chickens
Providing a safe and stimulating environment is crucial for the physical and mental well-being of chicks and chickens. This includes protecting them from predators, providing opportunities for foraging and exercise, and offering enrichment activities to prevent boredom.
12.1. Predator-Proofing Your Coop and Run
Predators are a constant threat to chickens. Ensure that your coop and run are securely fenced and covered with netting to prevent access by foxes, raccoons, hawks, and other predators. Bury the fencing at least 12 inches deep to prevent digging.
12.2. Providing Foraging Opportunities
Chickens enjoy foraging for insects, seeds, and greens. Provide them with access to a fenced-in run where they can scratch and peck. You can also scatter scratch grains or mealworms in the run to encourage foraging behavior.
12.3. Dust Baths: Essential for Feather Health
Dust baths are essential for maintaining healthy feathers. Provide a designated dust bath area in the coop or run, filled with sand, dirt, and wood ash. Chickens will roll around in the dust to remove parasites and excess oil from their feathers.
12.4. Enrichment Activities to Prevent Boredom
Chickens can become bored if they are confined to a small space without stimulation. Provide them with enrichment activities such as chicken swings, ladders, and treat-dispensing toys. You can also hang a head of cabbage or lettuce in the coop for them to peck at.
13. Understanding Chicken Behavior: A Key to Successful Ownership
Understanding chicken behavior is essential for successful ownership. Learning to recognize normal behaviors and identify signs of illness or distress can help you provide the best possible care for your flock.
13.1. Recognizing Normal Chicken Behaviors
Normal chicken behaviors include foraging, scratching, pecking, dust bathing, roosting, and preening. Observe your chickens regularly to learn their individual personalities and habits.
13.2. Identifying Signs of Illness or Distress
Signs of illness or distress in chickens include lethargy, ruffled feathers, loss of appetite, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and abnormal vocalizations. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult with a veterinarian experienced in poultry care.
13.3. Understanding the Pecking Order
The pecking order is a social hierarchy that exists within a flock of chickens. Dominant chickens will peck at subordinate chickens to establish their position. This is a normal behavior, but it’s important to monitor the flock to ensure that no individuals are being excessively bullied.
13.4. Managing Aggression and Bullying
Aggression and bullying can occur in chickens, especially when new birds are introduced to the flock. Provide ample space and resources to minimize aggression. If you notice a chicken being excessively bullied, separate it from the flock and provide individual care.
14. Biosecurity Measures to Protect Your Flock from Disease
Biosecurity measures are essential for protecting your flock from disease. These measures involve preventing the introduction and spread of disease-causing organisms.
14.1. Limiting Contact with Other Birds
Limit contact between your flock and other birds, especially wild birds. Wild birds can carry diseases that can be transmitted to your chickens.
14.2. Practicing Good Hygiene
Practice good hygiene by washing your hands and disinfecting your shoes before entering the coop. This will help prevent the introduction of disease-causing organisms.
14.3. Quarantine New Birds
Quarantine new birds for at least 30 days before introducing them to your flock. This will allow you to observe them for any signs of illness and prevent the spread of disease.
14.4. Regular Coop Cleaning and Disinfection
Clean and disinfect the coop regularly to remove disease-causing organisms. Use a poultry-safe disinfectant and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
15. Molting: Understanding the Natural Feather Loss Process
Molting is a natural process in which chickens shed their old feathers and grow new ones. This typically occurs in the fall and can last for several weeks.
15.1. The Molting Process Explained
During molting, chickens will lose their feathers, become less active, and stop laying eggs. This is a normal process that allows them to regenerate their feathers and prepare for winter.
15.2. Supporting Chickens During Molting
Support chickens during molting by providing them with a high-protein diet. This will help them grow new feathers quickly. You can also provide them with a warm and comfortable environment to minimize stress.
15.3. Egg Production After Molting
Egg production will typically resume after molting. However, it may take several weeks for chickens to return to their pre-molting production levels.
15.4. Managing the Molting Period
Manage the molting period by providing chickens with extra care and attention. Avoid handling them excessively, as their skin can be sensitive during this time.
16. Integrating New Chicks into an Existing Flock
Integrating new chicks into an existing flock can be challenging, as the established chickens may view the newcomers as a threat. It’s important to introduce the chicks gradually and monitor the flock closely to prevent aggression.
16.1. Gradual Introduction Methods
Introduce the chicks to the existing flock gradually by keeping them in a separate area of the coop or run for several days. This will allow the chickens to get used to each other’s presence without direct contact.
16.2. Supervised Interaction Times
After several days, allow the chicks and the existing flock to interact under supervision. Monitor their behavior closely and intervene if you notice any aggression.
16.3. Providing Ample Space and Resources
Provide ample space and resources to minimize aggression during the integration process. Ensure that there are enough feeders, waterers, and roosting spots for all the chickens.
16.4. Monitoring for Bullying and Aggression
Monitor the flock closely for bullying and aggression during the integration process. If you notice a chicken being excessively bullied, separate it from the flock and provide individual care.
17. Dealing with Broody Hens: Managing the Incubation Instinct
Broody hens are hens that have a strong desire to incubate eggs. This can be a desirable trait if you want to hatch chicks, but it can also be problematic if you don’t want more chicks.
17.1. Recognizing Broody Behavior
Broody hens will sit on their nests for extended periods, even if there are no eggs in the nest. They may also become aggressive and refuse to leave the nest.
17.2. Allowing Broodiness and Hatching Chicks
If you want to hatch chicks, allow the broody hen to incubate the eggs. Provide her with a quiet and secluded nesting area and ensure that she has access to food and water.
17.3. Breaking Broodiness
If you don’t want more chicks, break the hen’s broodiness. This can be done by removing her from the nest repeatedly, placing her in a wire-bottomed cage, or providing her with a cool environment.
17.4. Alternative Incubation Methods
If you want to hatch chicks but don’t have a broody hen, you can use an incubator. Incubators provide a controlled environment for hatching eggs.
18. Seasonal Considerations for Chick and Chicken Care
Chick and chicken care varies depending on the season. In the winter, chickens need protection from the cold and access to unfrozen water. In the summer, they need shade and plenty of fresh water.
18.1. Winter Care: Protecting from the Cold
Provide chickens with a warm and dry coop in the winter. Insulate the coop and provide them with extra bedding. Ensure that they have access to unfrozen water.
18.2. Summer Care: Providing Shade and Water
Provide chickens with shade in the summer to protect them from the heat. Ensure that they have access to plenty of fresh water. You can also provide them with a shallow pool of water to cool off in.
18.3. Spring and Fall Care: Transitioning Weather
Transition chickens gradually between the seasons. In the spring, gradually increase their access to the outdoors. In the fall, prepare them for winter by insulating the coop and providing them with extra bedding.
18.4. Adapting Care Routines Seasonally
Adapt your care routines seasonally to meet the changing needs of your chickens. Monitor their behavior closely and adjust your care accordingly.
19. The Role of Chickens in Sustainable Living and Permaculture
Chickens can play a valuable role in sustainable living and permaculture systems. They can help control pests, reduce food waste, and provide valuable fertilizer.
19.1. Pest Control in the Garden
Chickens can help control pests in the garden by eating insects, slugs, and snails. However, it’s important to supervise them closely, as they can also damage plants.
19.2. Reducing Food Waste
Chickens can help reduce food waste by eating kitchen scraps and garden waste. However, avoid feeding them foods that are toxic to chickens, such as avocado pits and chocolate.
19.3. Providing Fertilizer
Chicken manure is a valuable fertilizer for plants. Compost the manure before using it in the garden to prevent burning the plants.
19.4. Integrating Chickens into Permaculture Systems
Integrate chickens into permaculture systems by using them to control pests, reduce food waste, and provide fertilizer. Design your permaculture system to take advantage of the natural behaviors of chickens.
20. Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Chicks as Pets
Here are some frequently asked questions about keeping chicks as pets.
20.1. Is it legal to keep chicks as pets in my area?
Check your local ordinances and regulations regarding poultry ownership. Many municipalities have restrictions on the number of chickens allowed, or even prohibit them altogether.
20.2. How much does it cost to raise chicks?
The cost of raising chicks varies depending on the breed, the size of the coop, and the cost of feed. Expect to spend several hundred dollars on initial setup costs and ongoing maintenance.
20.3. How long do chickens live?
Chickens typically live for 5-10 years, but some can live longer.
20.4. Do chickens need a rooster to lay eggs?
No, chickens do not need a rooster to lay eggs. However, you will need a rooster if you want to hatch chicks.
20.5. How often do chickens lay eggs?
Chickens typically lay eggs every day or every other day, depending on the breed and their age.
20.6. What do chickens eat?
Chickens eat a variety of foods, including commercial chicken feed, insects, seeds, and greens.
20.7. How much space do chickens need?
Chickens need at least 4 square feet of coop space per bird and 8 square feet of run space per bird.
20.8. How do I protect my chickens from predators?
Protect your chickens from predators by securing the coop and run with fencing and netting.
20.9. How do I keep my chickens healthy?
Keep your chickens healthy by providing them with a balanced diet, a clean environment, and regular health checkups.
20.10. Where can I get more information about keeping chickens?
Visit PETS.EDU.VN for more information about keeping chickens. You can also consult with a veterinarian experienced in poultry care.
21. Conclusion: Is a Chick Right for You?
Deciding whether or not to keep a chick as a pet is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of your lifestyle, resources, and commitment. Chicks can be wonderful companions and provide fresh eggs, but they also require specialized care and attention. By researching and understanding the realities of chick ownership, you can make an informed decision and provide the best possible life for your feathered friend.
PETS.EDU.VN is dedicated to providing accurate and reliable information on all aspects of pet ownership. Whether you’re considering a chick, a dog, a cat, or any other type of pet, we’re here to help you make the right choice and provide the best possible care for your animal companion. Contact us at 789 Paw Lane, Petville, CA 91234, United States. Whatsapp: +1 555-987-6543. Visit pets.edu.vn today and discover a wealth of resources and information to help you become a responsible and knowledgeable pet owner. Our commitment to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership sets us apart. Explore our articles, connect with our community, and let us guide you on your pet ownership journey.