Most communities have specific communication needs related to their local pet ordinances, amenities and expectations. However, there are also universal responsible pet ownership messages that apply in nearly every city.

Keep these in mind as you think about what your city wants to communicate:

Pet-friendly places: Today’s pet owners want to bring their pets with them to a wide range of activities and events. By clearly communicating the rules in your community about where pets can and cannot go, cities can avoid confusion and minimize conflict.

Leash requirements: Using a leash helps protect pets, pet owners, non-pet owners and the public spaces they all share. Look for opportunities to educate about the importance of leash use to reduce the potential for pets to run away, help protect pet from hazards, and minimize dog bites in the community.

Pet waste: When pet owners don’t pick up pet waste, it affects community cleanliness and can make neighbors resent pets and pet-friendly places. Helping pet owners understand the benefits of cleaning up – for their community and themselves – can help encourage compliance and protect the opportunity to welcome pets in more places.

Tethering: While some people might think chaining or tethering their pet in their yard or outside a business is helpful, it actually puts pets at risk. They can get wrapped up and injured by the leash or get it stuck around an object that keeps them from reaching water or shelter. Weather can change and become dangerous. Studies also show dogs can become anxious and aggressive when tethered. Whether your city has implemented anti-tethering legislation or not, educating about the dangers is a helpful step to reduce this practice.

Pet licensing: Many communities require pet licensing, often as an incentive to get pets vaccinated or spayed/neutered. If your city has this type of requirement, be sure to communicate frequently and clearly explain the benefits for pets and pet owners, as an incentive to comply.

Hot cars: Hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion each year because they’re left in a hot car, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Helping pet owners understand the danger helps save lives.

Emergency planning: In a weather or other emergency, having a plan for pets can help speed evacuations and reduce pet abandonment. Make pets an explicit part of your city’s emergency communications and planning advice to help pet owners be ready.

Pet homelessness: Pets often end up abandoned or surrendered to shelters because pet owners face problems they can’t tackle alone, whether it’s an inability to afford food or vet care, a lack of pet-friendly housing options, or a pet behavior issue they don’t know how to handle. Many animal shelters today take a community-oriented approach that aims to keep people and pets together by assisting with these challenges, but they need help to spread the word. Help amplify communications about local resources and options so pet owners in need know what support is available.

Want more tips? Check out the Responsible Pet Ownership Communication Toolkit for help spreading the word on topics from local pet ordinances to pet waste cleanup to emergency preparedness.