Providing puppies with the opportunity to exercise is a very important aspect of their care. Apart from providing various health benefits, exercising also provides a good opportunity for your puppy to socialise with other friendly puppies, dogs and people too, which is vital for their behavioural development. More information on…
A puppy farm (also known as a puppy factory or puppy mill) is an intensive dog breeding facility, operating under inadequate conditions. Puppy farming is a major animal welfare issue in Australia because puppy farms fail to meet dogs’ physical and mental needs. Why are puppy farms a problem? The main…
A puppy farm (also known as a puppy factory or puppy mill) is an intensive dog breeding facility operating under inadequate conditions. Puppy farms fail to meet dogs’ physical and mental needs, and puppy farming is a major animal welfare issue in Australia. For more information see the Knowledgebase article ‘What…
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. If you’re unable to find an animal from a rescue organisation, another option is to adopt an animal who…
Having a companion dog can be a wonderful and joyful part of your life but is also a big commitment and responsibility; they require care and understanding, shelter, a balanced diet, daily exercise, veterinary care, training, enrichment, and more. When you are bringing a new dog into your family there…
Obesity is a common health problems in Australian dogs. If not addressed early on obesity can lead to other serious health complications such as heart failure and diabetes. Obesity can also exacerbate other conditions such as osteoarthritis. You should consult with your veterinarian who can weigh your pet and determine your…
Fleas are external parasites. The most common type of flea that affects companion animals is the cat flea. These fleas can also infest dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, chickens, wildlife and humans. Why are fleas a problem? Flea bites are irritating and painful and can lead to skin damage,…
Many people enjoy dressing their pets in costumes, particularly for special events such as Christmas. Some animal welfare organisations include costume competitions for owners and their animals as fundraising events. This can be fun to observe and offers unique photo opportunities, but it’s important to consider what the experience is like…
Birds are highly intelligent animals who require regular exercise and mental stimulation. It’s important to ensure these needs will be met when choosing how to house your pet birds. Space Any enclosure should provide a large space relative to the size of the bird, to allow for free movement and…
Yes, it is okay to keep your cat at home all of the time, as long as you make sure that you provide them with an environment that is optimised to meet their physical and mental needs, allows and encourages the expression of normal feline behaviours, minimises stress, and promotes…