Although there are responsible pet owners out there, many first time pet owners don't know much about pets.
It is a learning process, just like being a first time parent is.
However, some owners get frustrated and don't know why they even got a pet, but I think through public education and also promoting websites and groups that encourage responsible pet ownership is the best.
By making information on pet welfare and care more readily open and available, first time pet owners or will-be pet owners will have the right tools and knowledge to make them better pet owners in the future.