Choosing a Pet
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 ‘registered breeder’?
The term ‘registered breeder’ generally means one of the following: 1.
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.
Is there a safe way to look for a new companion animal online?
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.
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.
What are my legal rights if I buy a sick or injured pet?
Adopting or purchasing a new pet is a very exciting time for both owner and pet alike as it marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship. It can therefore be very distressing if a new pet soon becomes sick or appears injured.
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.