• What is the RSPCA’s view on canine artificial insemination?

    Female dogs can become pregnant via either natural mating with a male dog, or through an artificial insemination procedure. There are three main methods that can be used for artificial insemination: vaginal, transcervical, and surgical. When frozen semen is used, only transcervical and surgical artificial insemination are able to achieve…

  • How should I care for my rats?

    Rats are now popular pets all around the world, and can make excellent companions for all people, both young and old. But are they the right pet for you? Are rats the right companion animals for me? Rats are affectionate, charming, and intelligent rodents. They are clever; they can comprehend…

  • How should I care for my mice?

    Mice are popular pets all around the world, and can make excellent companions for all people, both young and old. But are they the right pet for you? Are mice the right companion animals for me? Mice are affectionate, charming, and intelligent rodents. They are clever; they can comprehend and…

  • How do human activities impact koalas?

    The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an iconic Australian species primarily found in eucalypt forests along the eastern and southeastern coasts of Australia. Despite their uniqueness and popularity, koalas face numerous threats to their survival, primarily due to human activities. Ongoing habitat destruction, fragmentation, and alteration has severely impacted population numbers…

  • What are the options to improve wild koala welfare?

    Koalas are an iconic Australian species, known to attract thousands of tourists every year. Koalas living in the wild suffer a range of negative impacts due primarily to habitat loss, climate change, vehicle collision, and dog attacks. Consequences include pain, injury, fear, stress, incapacitation, starvation, and death. Therefore, improving wild…

  • Where can I get my pet mice?

    When you are considering adding companion mice to your family, you will need to give some thought to where to get them. There are a lot of things to consider in finding the right mice for you, for example: Animal shelters such as the RSPCA and other reputable rescue organisations…

  • Where can I get my pet rats?

    When you are considering adding companion rats to your family, you will need to give some thought to where to get them. There are a lot of things to consider in finding the right ones for you, for example: Animal shelters such as the RSPCA and other reputable rescue organisations…

  • What does an unhealthy mouse look like?

    You can learn the most about your mice through their behaviour, appearance, and body language. It’s important to continually observe for abrupt or subtle changes happening with your mice. Because they are a prey species, they will try and hide signs of illness – so when they look sick, they’re…

  • What do I need to know about reproduction in rats?

    Rats mature and can breed at a young age (as early as four weeks of age), breed prolifically, and have large litter sizes. They will come into season every 4-5 days unless pregnant; their pregnancy duration is 21-23 days; their litter size is 6-13 pups; and they can be ready…

  • How should I groom my mice?

    Mice are very clean and usually do a great job of grooming themselves. Washing your mouse Because of their cleanliness, it is uncommon for mice to ever need a wash. The exceptions are elderly or arthritic mice who can’t wash themselves, or mice who have somehow gotten really dirty and…