Requirements

1. 1

   Four Months of Care

   Present evidence that you have cared for a pet for four months. Get approval before you start. Note: Work done for other merit badges cannot be used for this requirement.
2. 2

   Know Your Pet Well

   Write in 200 words or more about the care, feeding, and housing of your pet. Tell some interesting facts about it. Tell why you have this kind of pet. Give local laws, if any, relating to the pet you keep.
3. 3

   Read and Report

   Show that you have read a book or pamphlet, approved by your counselor, about your kind of pet. Discuss with your counselor what you have learned from what you read.
4. 4

   Show Time or Trick Time

   Choose 1

   Do ONE of the following:

   1. a

      Step Into a Pet Show

      Show your pet in a pet show.
   2. b

      Teach Tricks and Skills

      Train a pet in three or more tricks or special abilities.
5. 5

   Future Paths With Pets

   Choose 1

   Do ONE of the following:

   1. a

      Explore Pet Careers

      Explore careers related to this merit badge. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include—with your parent or guardian’s permission—an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.
   2. b

      Turn Pet Skills Into a Hobby

      Explore how you could use knowledge and skills from this merit badge to pursue a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Research any training needed, expenses, and organizations that promote or support it. Discuss with your counselor what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.