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  4. Pet Ownership

Pet Ownership

couple with puppy

What are the benefits of companion animals to human health?

Interacting with companion animals (including dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, horses, fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians) can have a range of physical and mental health benefits for people.

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  • New pets
  • Pet owner basics

What preparations should I make for my pets in case of an emergency?

Emergency planning for pets is an important part of emergency household preparations and greatly increases the likelihood of evacuating your pets to safety if that is necessary. As well as being prepared for the need to evacuate, you should also be prepared to shelter in place (i. e.

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  • Emergencies
  • Pet care

Why is it important to ensure my pet is microchipped?

Microchip identification is recommended for all companion animals where it is feasible and appropriate for the species.

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  • Microchipping
  • Pet care
  • Pet owner basics
house for rent

Can I have a pet while renting or living in a strata property?

The information presented here is not intended to be relied on for legal advice and you should seek advice from the relevant authority and/or a lawyer about your individual circumstances.

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  • Moving house
  • New pets
  • Pet owner basics
fireworks display

How should I care for my pets during fireworks displays?

Across Australia, there are many celebrations that may involve fireworks. Unfortunately, many animals are terrified by firework displays, and these can indirectly pose risks to animal safety by causing them to take flight and try to escape the loud noises.

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  • Animal behaviour
  • Pet care
  • Problem behaviours

How many pets are there in Australia?

There are currently an estimated 28. 7 million pets in Australia and we have one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. Approximately 69% of households in Australia own pets, with dogs being the most common (48%), followed by cats (33%). Figure 1.

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  • Statistics

How do I stop my companion animal from getting fleas?

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?

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  • Fleas, ticks and worms
  • Pet care
  • Pet owner basics

What are the animal welfare issues with pets wearing costumes?

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.

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  • Animal behaviour
  • Behavioural needs

Are homeopathic treatments beneficial for my companion animal?

Homeopathy, based on a speculative theory that ‘like cures like’, is defined as ‘a system for treating disease based on the administration of minute doses of a drug that in very large amounts produces symptoms in healthy persons similar to those of the disease’.

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  • Pet care
greyhound reclining bed

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.

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  • Adopting an animal
  • Animal behaviour
  • Companion animals
  • Pet care
  • Pet owner basics
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