A flow-controlled pet watering fountain and method of use, thereof, is disclosed. The watering fountain utilizes a pump to direct water up a lift pipe and into a reservoir, whereupon the drinking water falls gravitationally into a drinking basin. Further, the watering fountain allows for control of water flow by selectively opening and closing a flow control valve that is located above the pump and along the water lift pipe. In its open position, the flow control valve allows water to fall back into an interior basin by diverting the flow of water into a return pipe. This arrangement helps prevent premature failure of the pump by allowing the pump to run under substantially the same load and without reducing the total water cycles through the filters. The watering device also allows the water flow from the spout to be completely turned off.