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Companion Animals

 

Issues to Consider Before Acquiring a Cat or Dog

The following are some of the issues you should consider before deciding to acquire a Companion Animal:

  • Changes in your life which may influence your willingness or ability to keep the animal. These may include extended overseas travel, having children, changing homes to a place not suited to animals, change of jobs, financial security or ongoing ability to exercise the animal.
  • Are you willing to care for the animal for the lifetime of the animal?
  • Are you willing to regularly exercise the animal to minimise boredom related problems?
  • Can you afford the ongoing costs such as purchase, vaccination, registration, microchipping, veterinarian accounts, food and upkeep?
  • Will your partner or family be committed to keeping the animal?
  • How big is the place where you live? Has it got an adequate exercise area?
  • If your yard fenced? Have you got particularly sensitive neighbours?
  • How big an animal should you acquire?
  • What are the needs of the individual breed? Is it susceptible to certain health problems which could be costly? Is it likely to want a lot, or little exercise? Is it likely to be aggressive? Are they good with children?
  • Do you live near sensitive bushland or native species habitat?
  • Is this just a fad? Do you really want the commitment?
  • Has the animal been microchipped yet, and what will be the cost?
  • If you already have animals, do you have enough space for another one?

Information for Dog Owners

Information for Cat Owners

Council Publications

Policy - Animal Ownership/Straying Animals

Department of Local Government Publications

The following publications are published by the Department of Local Government.


Animal Rescue Organisations

WIRES Rescue Hotline

02 6628 1898

www.wiresnr.org

 

Animal Rights & Rescue

(02) 6622 1881

More Information

  • Information for Cat Owners

    Information for Cat Owners

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  • Information for Dog Owners

    Information for Dog Owners

    read more