As Australia’s largest and most trusted animal welfare organisation, the RSPCA is committed to improving and promoting better welfare for farm animals throughout their lifetime. The RSPCA firmly grounds its policies, communications and activities on the most current animal welfare science. This science-based approach forms the foundation for our role…
Second hand smoke exposure Passive smoking is a health risk. There is no risk-free level of passive (second-hand) smoke exposure for animals or people. Companion animals, including (but not limited to) dogs, cats, birds, mice, guinea pigs and fish, are susceptible to the damaging effects of second-hand smoke. Dogs Exposure…
Having your cat go missing can be very distressing for cat owners. However, there are steps you can take so that if the worst happens and your cat does go missing, you have a better chance of finding them. Don’t wait for your cat to be lost first! While your…
Cats can be happy staying at home if they have an environment that safeguards their physical and mental health and provides them with the opportunity for positive experiences and good welfare. Cats can successfully transition from roaming to staying home all of the time, but each cat is an individual,…
Desexing cats before they can reproduce plays an integral role in reducing cat overpopulation and there are also many health and welfare benefits for individual cats. The RSPCA advises owners to have their cats desexed before four months of age (before puberty) and advocates desexing of all cats before puberty…
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. The community expects platforms enabling the online…
What is the National Wool Declaration? In 2008, the Australian Wool Exchange (through which around 90% of Australian wool is sold) introduced the National Wool Declaration (NWD). This declaration allows wool growers to voluntarily communicate the mulesing status of their sheep to wool buyers at auction [1]. Wool growers are…
While the internet is a great way to research and look for your new best friend, you should absolutely avoid buying an animal online sight unseen. Poor practices can place animals at serious risk, and can also mean consumers risk being deceived and disappointed. With so many things to consider…
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. Check your local RSPCA animal care centre and…
Dental disease is one of the most common conditions affecting companion animals; approximately 80% of cats and dogs over three years of age in Australia will show some degree of dental disease. At-home dental care and regular dental check-ups are important parts of responsible companion animal care. Regular dental checks…