Responsible Pet Ownership
Pets can be a handful, lucky there are plenty of resources to help. Whether you are looking to adopt a pet or already have some fur babies check out the Companion Animals – RSPCA Knowledgebase.
If you’re a cat owner the Cat Protection Society of NSW have plenty of resources including how to build an enclosure and protecting wildlife.
Considerations Before Buying a Dog or a Cat
Adopting a new pet can be an exciting time for you and your family. While cuddling with a new kitten or puppy is lots of fun, there are some things to consider before adopting a pet.
Some considerations:
- Breed of pet
- Exercise, training, and enrichment activities
- Cost of veterinary care and feeding
- Desexing and vaccinations
- Will your pet be alone when you’re at work?
- Do you have a secure yard for your dog or a cat enclosure?
- Who will care for your pet when you’re on holiday?
- Extreme weather events and fireworks
- What are your plans for the next 15+ years, many dogs and cats live that long!
Do your research first!
Read What do I need to know before I get a new pet? – RSPCA Knowledgebase for a great guide in helping you choose the right pet for your home.
Remember, while pets are great companions and a loving addition to your family, be sure you are ready for the responsibility of being a pet owner.
Should I desex my pet?
Having your pet desexed is part of being a responsible pet owner.
Some reasons why you should desex your pet:
- Cats can become pregnant from four months
- Cats can fall pregnant again eight weeks after giving birth
- Dogs can become pregnant from five months
- Finding good homes for kittens/puppies can be difficult
- Desexing commonly reduces behavioural problems such as roaming, aggression and urine marking in males
- Having too many litters can be harmful to your pet’s health
- Un-desexed pets have increased costs including food, veterinary care, and registration fees
Pets that have been desexed by the prescribed age (cats by four months and dogs by six months of age) will receive a discount on registration fees. Registration fees can be found here.
If your pet has an unwanted litter, you are responsible for microchipping and vaccinating the puppies or kittens before selling or giving them away (even for free).
Owners of the fathering animal may also be up for sharing the costs.
For more information, visit Microchipping and Registration
Fines may be issued for kittens or puppies that are not microchipped.
SCOOP IT, BAG IT, BIN IT!
Always pick up after your pooch!
No one wants to step in your dog’s poo.
Dog poo that is not picked up can be washed into the gutters, creeks, and waterways. Pollution in our waterways causes harm to aquatic life and may make it unsafe for recreation.
Carry a few spare bags with you whenever you take your dog out!
There are great options to conveniently attach bags to your dog’s harness or lead.
Camden Council provides bags at all off-leash dog parks.
On-the-spot fines apply if you don’t pick up your dog's poo.
For more information Contact Council's Customer Service Team 13 CAMDEN or Email.