This book helps pet owners fully understand what it means to care for a companion animal, from choosing a pet to veterinary visits and beyond.Pets are extremely popular in the United States. According to a recent survey, one third of American homes contain one or more cats; almost 40 percent of U.S. households include at least one dog. Pets serve as cherished companions for everyone from young children to senior citizens. However, there are responsibilities and risks involved with pet ownership, and the proper care of these animals that many consider "family" involves much more than keeping a water dish and food bowl full.This book is written by top animal health experts to explain our roles, rights, and health care challenges when bringing animals into our homes. Topics such as health, first aid, companion animal diseases, common surgeries, and alternative care for pets are all addressed. Information is also provided about pet birds, large pets such as horses, exotics such as snakes and reptiles, and "pocket pets" such as hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and rats.