Responsible Pet Owner Guidelines
No pet or pet owner is perfect... but if they were, they'd probably follow these do's and don'ts!
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Always pick up and properly dispose of waste.
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Keep dogs secured so they don't escape and become a threat to themselves or others.
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Train dogs to behave in public and demonstrate good canine manners.
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Don't ignore bad behavior when it happens (Jumping up on you or others, leash biting, barking, pestering another dog, humping, etc.), especially in public.
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Provide adequate exercise and socialization.​
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Don't allow the dog to be a nuisance by barking.
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Provide regular veterinary care & grooming.
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License the dog and obey local pet laws.
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Identify the dog via microchip or I.D. tags.
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Spay or neuter your dog.
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Don't leave a female dog outside if she's in heat.
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Remember that not everyone is a dog lover, and some are even uncomfortable with dogs. Give them plenty of space.
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Don't allow your dog to approach another dog without asking the owner first. Maybe the dog doesn't like other dogs or is having a bad day. Always ask first.
By being responsible, you'll help to...
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Give your dog the attention & care it deserves.
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Set a good example for other dog owners.​
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Improve your neighborhood by keeping it quiet (no barking) & waste free.​
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Change the community perception that the majority of owners are irresponsible, which could...
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Create more pet friendly rental opportunities.
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Open the door to allowing dogs in more places, like city parks.
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Ultimately help make Dubuque a more dog-friendly place to live and visit!
Friendly, Invisible Dog Owners...?
Dogs have been banned from Dubuque city parks since 1969.. almost 45 years! Unfortunately, this has helped fuel anti-dog sentiment in the community.
That's why it's so important responsible dog owners start to be SEEN doing the right thing in our community. Sometimes, it's like we're invisible compared to the rule breakers.
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For example, for every 1 pile of poop you see near the sidewalk, how many dozens were picked up?
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For every barking dog you hear, how many more are being quiet in their yards and homes? You don't know because you don't hear them.
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If we try hard to set a good example at our events, and in our communities, we will gradually change the culture in Dubuque to be more dog-friendly. In fact, we think its already happening.

And that's something we can all bark about!
Tips from Dubuque Animal Control:
