Owning a pet is a huge responsibility and deciding to become a pet owner requires very considered thought and planning, and should never be a spur of the moment decision. The first question that you must ask yourself is “Can I look after a pet properly?” This means more than just being able to provide food and water. If you are part of a family, the decision to get a pet should be a combined one, as all family members will come in contact with the pet, and should be involved in its care.
- Are you prepared to care for a dog or cat for over 10 years? The average lifespan for a small dog is 11 years and 12 years for a cat.
- Can you afford to own a pet with costs such as registration, vaccination, general health care, vet bills, food, grooming, desexing, obedience training and boarding?
- Do you have time to care for a pet with daily exercise, grooming, obedience and play?
- What hours do you work, and will the pet have any company during the day?
- If buying a young animal, can you provide care during the day and meals at regular intervals until it is six months old?
- Who will look after your pet while you are away?
- Do you live in a suitable location and type of housing for a pet?
- Do you have adequate space for the type of pet you are considering?
- If renting accommodation – are you permitted to own a pet? There is a brochure available from most real estate agents which discusses renting with pets.
- Does a pet fit in with your lifestyle, activities and priorities?
- Are you prepared to confine your cat (in the house or enclosure) at night?
If the answer to all these questions is “yes” then the next step is to decide what type of pet best suits your situation. Take into account factors such as the size of your yard, the amount of exercise you can give a dog, or the type of nature you want in a dog or cat to help determine the exact breed for you. If you live an active lifestyle, choosing a dog which can go with you on a run or other activities would be suitable. If you live in a smaller home or unit, or have limited mobility, then a cat, fish or pocket pet such as a rabbit, bird or lizard may suit you better. Don’t choose a breed just because it is popular or fashionable as this can lead to unhappy outcomes for both you and the pet. Remember that puppies which look adorable in a pet shop window could grow up to be big dogs that need a lot of exercise, food and space.” Little bundles of fluff” need daily grooming to help prevent knotting of the coat and skin problems.
All animals and pets have basic needs – as a responsible pet owner you need to be aware of these needs:
- Food – it is important that your pet eats the correct food and the right amounts of food. Too little or too much or the wrong type of food can cause health problems. Cats should not be fed dog food as it lacks essential amino acids that cats require. Meat only diets can result in nutrient imbalances and low calcium levels. Excessive amounts of food can result in obesity. Fresh food should be provided every day and the food bowl kept clean.
- Water – clean fresh drinking water should be provided at all times. Always check the bowl and never let it get empty. Ensure that it can’t be tipped over and provide several sources of water during hot weather.
- Shelter/enclosures – pets need protection from the weather – both hot and cold. A safe comfortable place to feel protected and secure which may be indoors or outdoors. Smaller pets esp pocket pets, need protection from larger animals. All cages and tanks need to be size appropriate.
- Exercise – helps to keep your pet healthy and alert and helps to relieve boredom. Set aside time each day to exercise your pet – walk, game, run in the park etc.
- Socialisation and training – most pets need the company of others. They enjoy both human and animal company, and this can help reduce boredom and anxiety. It can also help reduce destructive behaviour such as chewing and digging. Pets esp dogs need to be trained to act suitably around other animals and humans – it is important to start this while young with puppy preschool and continue with adult obedience training when older. This not only helps your dog be better behaved but also provides mental stimulation.
- Healthcare – need to protect your pet’s health – this includes preventative healthcare such as regular vaccinations, worming and flea control, as well as veterinary treatment for injuries or illness. Desexing your pet helps to reduce unwanted litters, reduces roaming and fighting, and reduces the risk of reproductive cancers.
Safety, Rules and Regulations – as a responsible owner, you are responsible both for the safety of your pet and the safety of the community in relation to your pet.
- Children need to learn to not play roughly and not tease or mishandle pets. Likewise it is very important for pets to learn how to behave around babies and young children too. Young children do not always have the ability to recognise warning signs when pets are upset. The best way to minimise any possible risk is to actively supervise any interaction of pets with children or separate them if this isn’t possible. Children 0-4 years old are the highest risk for dog attack related injuries.
- Legally you are required to securely confine your dog to your property. Fences need to be high enough to keep your dog on your property, gates need to be closed and ensure that your dog can not burrow underneath. Visitors must also have safe access to your front door without being stopped by your dog. If securely confined, your dog will be safe from traffic accidents and fights with other dogs, and they will also be prevented from wandering and becoming lost.
- Don’t let your dog roam the streets
- Have your dog on a lead when on a walk in public places
- Pick up after your dog when you are walking
- Legally you must confine your cat between the hours dusk and dawn either inside the house or in an appropriate enclosure. Roaming cats are more likely to get hit by cars, injured in fights, get lost and also hunt and kill native wildlife – even well fed cats will hunt. For those cats which are unable to be kept inside the house – the garage or shed may also be suitable – ensure you cat has a warm dry sleeping area, a litter tray and plenty of water. Buying or building a cat enclosure or using cat proof fencing are other options. Whilst your cat is in an enclosure ensure that it has plenty of things to do and see as this will help to prevent boredom and behavioural problems.
- Both dogs and cats should have identification tags and be microchipped and registered. Microchipping forms a permanent method of identification should your pet go missing. Registration helps with identification and the fees go to supporting animal control and community education on pets.
No matter what kind of pet you own whether it be dog, cat, ferret, rabbit, lizard, fish or bird – all pets come with a big responsibility. You are responsible for their wellbeing and it is up to you to care for and look after your pet the same as you would a member of your family.
