Should People have to take a test to own a pet?

While I'd love to see that, I think if they did it they'd have to do it for kids too! Between kids and animals, both who have no way of keeping themselves safe from morons, but I have to agree that it would be wonderful if we could keep checks on them! Maybe if we did more when they're found guilty of abuse it would help deter some!!!!!!

I have been through a background check, references called, the vet to my current dog called, and more just to adopt a dog from the SPCA. I understand why they put a person through a bunch of hoops because they are wanting to make sure the animal is going to a good home. But for those that want to adopt an animal and have the best of heart do not want to go through such a process. To top it off, they call at two weeks, two months, and anytime they want to check on the dog that I adopted. I feel this is an overkill. If they want to do a background check to make sure you do not have any violent history or call your vet to see if the vet has issues with how you care for your pet, that is fine. But places should not go beyond that....they don't do it when a woman gets pregnant....and there are more people out there that should not be parents.

Yes I agree with you there should be checks done I got a little Fellow out of the Kennels last year that the Police had found badly beaten I took him home with me not knowing what age he was or if he was going to live but fortunatly for me he did and he is the most loving little Man anyone can have It took me a year of loving and caring to get him to what he is now a happy, mischivious,loving and trusting little Fellow and he is my World The Kids adore him to

I think there should be a background check on people wanting to adopt a new pet. There is so much animal cruelty, why not try and prevent it? I sometimes watch these animal cop shows, where it talks of people being violent or uncaring of their pet (mostly dogs) and it just breaks my heart. I have two dogs, and if someone would hit them, i think i'd hit them back!!

i know what you mean i have 9 and 4 i have saved,one had broken ribs from being kicked , and another because the breeder couldnt sell her for front legs were shorter she was going to put her down, and another was being dumped,i cant stand it,least i know my babies are safe ,people should relize they have feeling to

i think they should then this way there wouldnt be all those animals out in the world that are abused i also think that people should be punished for throwing there animal out in the cold or leaving them some where that is not fair and cruel

Yeah it's pretty sad actually. I think pet owners should have to go through something similar as parents who adopt children. I also feel like there should be laws which don't allow you to breed animals for atleast a while..the population is getting out of control.

I think that would be a good idea if they could find a way to pull it off. I also think there should be a check to see who can own a dog, but not breed. Some people are good owners for maybe 1 or 2 dogs, but don't know anything about breeding. They make other people look bad. There are at least a few good people who can't afford "pedegree" dogs, but are good at breeding good, healthy puppies that would make awesome family pets for someone who's not interested in a show dog.

i would think so , its disgusting and so incredibly unhumane what is done to so many animals every day and while were at it could we make an even harder to pass and absolutely mandatory test before your allowed to take an infant out of the hospital and into the home (sorry i know thats not your qestion buy hey it needs to be done too)cheers +

Wow, background checks to own a pet. Great idea!!

Some people shouldn't have pets. I don't think there is a way to regulate it though. There are already millions of pets without homes. I know that lots of dog/cat/bird rescues require home visits, references, and etc.

I don't think it's such a bad idea. Like others have said, I think people should have to pass a test before having kids. There are so many people out there who shouldn't breed. I'm one of them! But at least I realized it before I ever had kids. In a perfect world, people would take the test for having kids and if they passed, then they could have a simple procedure done that would allow them to procreate.

Maybe not. Just a responsible pet ownership seminar will do.

That sounds like a fantastic idea. It would be great if it could be implemented. We see far too many people these days abusing pets, and they should all be thrown in prison for it. They should never have been given the pet in the first place. It breaks my heart to see an animal in pain. It would be good to have a background check. This would stop many ignorent people who just want to hurt an animal. It would also cut down on the "christmass buy" phase where parents buy an animal for a child who wont care for it. Personally, i have had many pets. They all lived long happy lives, but their deaths tore me apart and i cannot bear to have another. My simple solution to the problem - Cyberpets :)

I agree with the other comments about if it were done for animals it would have to be done for kids too. I believe that it should definately be done for kids, and animals too, but I think that even if someone good gets a pet it doesnt mean that the pet couldnt end up in the wrong hands there is another discussion on here that i was reading earlier where two teenage boys abducted a familys pet and abused it badly. Just like kids, our society is so corrupt that there are the sick people who kidnap other peoples children and pets too for that matter, Ive had a dog stolen, right out of our yard with in a 5 minute time period. Our society is very cruel and undisciplined

I don't think that it's realistic. There are just more animals than there are willing good homes to take them. We have a great puppy right now that is fed and watered daily, but we don't get to play with him that much. He is too rough for the kids and I don't have enough time to train him. We have tried finding him a good home but haven't been successful. I hate that he is lonely, but at least he is well fed and safe.

I think it should be mandatory before you adopt a pet.The amount of animal cruelty happening these days is astounding and frankly disgusting.How someone can do these horrible things to a poor defenseless animal is beyond me.I have adopted several pets from my local animal shelter and to hear the heartbreaking stories of their lives is sickening!My animals are my babies,they are a part of my family and if anyone tried to hurt them they would have me to deal with!

Yes they should take a self test--in order to save the hapless animal from sufferings.

I think some do! Here in Australia some parents have to take parenting classes so why not pet classes. I would stop a lot of animal cruelty and neglect.

My God. That is such a horrible story. It's unbelievable how cruel some people can be to animals. I think your idea of taking a test is great. After the test they could have a license to own the pet and then they'd have to produce it to whoever's selling the animal. You're definately onto something. I also think that if someone is found being cruel to an animal, then their punishment should be to live as that animal has lived for a period of time. So, in the case you described, that guy should be locked up for a whole week in a cramped little room and not receive any food or drink for 15 hours a day.