Articles tagged with 'Adopting an animal'
Where should I keep my birds?
Companion birds are most commonly kept in indoor cages and enclosures, although some are housed in either temporary or permanent outdoor enclosures. These cages range from small (outdated) budgie cages to large steel framed macaw cages.
What do I need to know about multi-cat households?
With approximately half of cat-owning households caring for two or more cats , it is crucial to recognise that keeping multiple cats, while fundamentally similar to keeping a singular cat, requires a good understanding of cats’ social needs and behaviour.
How do I find a responsible dog or cat breeder?
If you are looking to welcome a companion animal into your family, RSPCA Australia encourages prospective owners to first consider adopting an animal from the RSPCA or other reputable animal welfare organisation.
How should I introduce my new cat or kitten to the family dog?
First consider if it would be safe and appropriate to have both a dog and cat as part of your family. While dogs and cats can live together in harmony and even become friends, in some cases individual dogs may not be compatible with cats.
How should I handle my guinea pigs?
It is always important to remember that guinea pigs are a prey species (i. e. , they are eaten by other animals). They are gentle animals but nervous by nature and will try to escape if they feel threatened.
What should I know about owning a greyhound?
Greyhounds can, and do, make great pets! However, their upbringing can be quite different from other dogs, and they often don’t receive important exposure to social interactions or everyday experiences.
How old should a kitten be before they are adopted/purchased?
Kittens are dependent on their mother. For example, feral kittens wean by about eight weeks of age but often stay with their mother for several months. Domesticated kittens are routinely separated from their mother at a much younger age.
What is a ‘backyard breeder’?
Backyard breeding is the irresponsible breeding of animals in inadequate conditions with insufficient care, often by people with little experience or knowledge. When irresponsible breeding is carried out on a large scale, the term puppy or kitten farming is used. Why is backyard breeding a problem?
What are some red flags when looking for a dog or cat online?
The cardinal rule when looking for a dog or cat online is never buy an animal without meeting them in person. The RSPCA encourages prospective owners to adopt an animal from the RSPCA or other reputable animal welfare, rehoming, or rescue organisation.
RSPCA Guidelines for the Online Advertising of Pets
The RSPCA has developed the RSPCA Guidelines for the Online Advertising of Pets to assist websites who trade pets online. As more Australians turn to the internet to search for their new pet, this has important implications for traceability, accountability and animal welfare.