OHS Position Statement: Domestic Companion Animals - Small Animals and Birds
Pet owners have a responsibility to their companion animal. Companion animals depend on their owners to meet their needs. Many small animals and birds have unique dietary and housing requirements that must be understood.
The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) believes this responsibility encompasses:
- research about a prospective companion animal before making a decision;
- appropriate housing, nutrition, grooming and exercise;
- regular veterinary care, including vaccination and spay/neuter where appropriate;
- human supervision and attention on a daily basis;
- safe and secure confinement to owner’s property and under control when off owner’s property;
- proper identification;
- adherence to municipal animal control bylaws.
The OHS believes that for their psychological wellbeing, small animals and birds should have daily supervised out of cage exercise in a safe room. They also should have ongoing access to appropriate toys and hiding/resting places in their cage.
The OHS believes that small animals and birds can be trained using positive reinforcement methods. Training and grooming can enhance the pet owner’s bond with their companion small animal or bird.
Caring for a companion animal involves a lifelong commitment to the animal’s well-being during it’s lifetime.
For information on the selection, care and training of small animals and birds as companion animals, visit the Pet Tips section on the OHS website:
- For degus: more >
- For gerbils: more >
- For guinea pigs: more >
- For hamsters: more >
- For rabbits: more >
- For rats and mice: more >
- For parrots: more >
- For songbirds: more >
and - The small animals and bird information sections on the website of the Canadian Federation of Humane societies: http://cfhs.ca/athome/small_animals/ and http://cfhs.ca/athome/birds/
Approved by the OHS Board of Directors November 2008.
