Becoming a pet parent is hugely rewarding, but also a big responsibility. Understanding what it takes to keep companion animals safe, happy and healthy is crucial to a fulfilling and enduring relationship - set yourself up for success with our top tips for pet care and responsible pet ownership.
We’re pet people. We see the difference companion animals make in the lives of people and communities. They reduce isolation, have positive impacts on our physical and mental health, increase our activity levels and generally boost our wellbeing. But it’s not all about us. When you consider becoming a pet owner, taking the time to do a bit of general research up-front could help lay solid foundations for a great experience and a loving, lifelong relationship with your chosen cat or dog.
Can you afford a pet?
Most pet owners have been hit by an expected and scarily large bill at some stage – very few people have the luxury of budgeting for every eventuality or even holding pet insurance – so being able to ‘afford’ a pet is something we mightn’t always have control over. That said, it’s important to at least understand the baseline costs, week to week and year by year, to ensure pet ownership won’t immediately place your household under an unmanageable financial strain.
Data from a 2022 Animal Medicines Australia survey suggests that pet owners spend $3,218 each year per dog and $1,715 per cat, including on expenses like:
Adoption fees
Desexing
Microchipping
Set-up purchases of beds, bowls, lead and collar
Routine vaccinations and health-checks
Flea and tick treatments
Worming
Food
Grooming
Dog walking, pet sitting or kennel fees
Pet insurance
If the worst does happen and you find yourself facing an unaffordable vet bill, talk to your provider about extended payment arrangements or contact an organisation such as Pets in Medical Crisis to explore avenues for assistance.
Is your home suitable for a pet?
How much space a dog needs will depend on their size, breed, age, energy levels and how much time you’re able to commit to taking them out for exercise. While lots of green space would be ideal, that’s not possible for everyone, in which case you’ll need to be proactive in providing fun enrichment activities and exploring things like interactive toys. Providing your cat with a last meal indoors at bedtime is a simple and effective method to train them to come inside at night. Ensure morning feeds can be eaten in 20-30 minutes and any leftovers removed, to encourage your pet to return home and be secured indoors overnight. It's an easy way to prevent wildlife predation and nuisance behaviours.
When it comes to cats, many local councils require them to be contained overnight or 24 hours a day on their owner’s property. If you can’t create a secure environment where they can climb, explore and play, there’s a risk of negative impacts on their health and behaviour.
Community conflict can put pet owners under huge strain, so it’s worth thinking about your neighbours and their pets – how you can manage any issues and ensure everyone’s needs are respected.
If you’re a renter, you’ll need to confirm that you are in fact allowed to have a companion animal. Sadly, pet ownership remains a deal-breaker for many landlords – despite evidence that pet owners stay in properties for longer and that animals cause less damage than humans. If you’re already at risk of housing instability, it’s important to think about the additional impact of pet ownership on your ability to find a new place to live.
Can you keep a pet securely within your property?
Cats are notorious escape artists - researchers have found that 40% of lost cats were, according to their owner, “indoor-only pets with no access to the outdoors”! Those cats, like roaming dogs, are vulnerable to road accidents, attacks by other animals, poisoning and more. Tricky though it can be, particularly when it comes to our feline friends, doing your best to make boundaries secure can make a significant difference to your pet’s safety.
Unfortunately, it’s not just random tragedies we have to be concerned about – lost pets without identification are at risk of being taken into a pound or shelter and killed. Having an ID tag with your phone number is the fastest way for your pet to be returned, in tandem with microchipping. The stark reality is that failing to microchip leads to just 37% of dogs and a miniscule 5% of cats ever being reclaimed.
One final word of warning - if your pet is lost, time is of the essence. Some shelters and pounds will put unclaimed animals to sleep after just three days.
Do you have time to care for a pet?
When we talk about having time for pets, it’s about more than how long we can walk a dog for each day. Animals need engagement and companionship, so it’s important to think about your ability to walk them, play with them, train them and generally enjoy being with them day-to-day. And then think about the big picture of daily life – the amount of time you spend out of your home, whether that’s for work, socialising, sports, appointments and more. How would a pet fit into that lifestyle, and do you have – or can you afford – support from others to fill any gaps?
How much do you know about their care needs?
Pet care isn’t rocket-science, but it’s surprising the things that can be overlooked. You’ll need to think about where you want them to sleep, how regularly you’ll need to groom them and trim their nails, pet dental health, access to a space where they can poo and pee, their nutritional and exercise needs related to age, size and health, the foods and household products that could be harmful (like onion and garlic, chocolate and essential oils), medication and vaccination requirements.
Another big issue is desexing. Pounds, shelters and pet rescue charities are flooded with unwanted kittens and pups. Neutering your pet can have significant health and behavioural benefits, including reducing roaming and aggression, and will prevent yet more animals being born, only to die in a shelter. Check with your vet about current age guidelines around desexing for your particular breed of dog. Cats should be desexed before puberty which occurs by four months of age.
If you have a breed in mind, or want to adopt a particular animal, make sure you find out more about their specific care needs, health and life expectancy, and quirks of temperament and personality. Seek out puppy training tips or animal behaviour advice – whatever you (and they) need to get the relationship off to a strong start.
Do you want a puppy/kitten or a mature animal?
When considering getting a pet, the age of the animal can significantly influence your decision. Both young and older pets have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and what you're looking for in a companion.
Advantages of young pets:
Longer lifespan: A young pet typically has a longer life expectancy, which means more years to enjoy together.
Energy and playfulness: Younger pets tend to be more active, playful and curious, but can also be more destructive. They often love exploring, exercising, and engaging in fun activities.
Easier training: You can start training a young pet from scratch, establishing good behaviour patterns and habits that last a lifetime.
Adaptability: They may be more adaptable to new environments, routines, and other pets or animals in the household.
Bonding: Since you get to raise them from a young age, there's often a strong bond formed between you and the pet.
Disadvantages of young pets:
Higher energy requirements: Young pets may require more time and attention, as they are often full of energy and need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Training time: While easier to train, they still require consistent training and patience, which can be time-consuming.
Health vulnerabilities: Puppies and kittens may be more susceptible to illnesses or infections, as their immune systems are still developing.
Destructive behaviour: Younger pets, especially puppies and kittens, may be prone to chewing, scratching, and other destructive behaviours as they explore their surroundings with boundless energy. They may love chewing your shoes or cushions!
Advantages of older pets:
Calmer temperament: Older pets may be calmer, which can make them more suitable for people with a more relaxed lifestyle or who prefer a low-key companion.
Less training needed: Many older pets are already house-trained and may have established positive behavioural patterns.
Health history: You may be able to assess an older pet’s health and temperament, making it easier to know what to expect, compared to a young pet whose health is still an unknown.
Ready for companionship: Older pets often crave affection and companionship, and they may be more content to relax with you and be a cuddly presence in your life.
Lower energy requirements: Older pets usually require less exercise and are more content with shorter walks or periods of play.
Disadvantages of older pets:
Shorter lifespan: You may not have as many years together as you would with a younger pet.
Health issues: Older pets may have existing health problems or be more susceptible to diseases that are more prevalent in older animals. This could lead to higher veterinary costs and more medical care.
Less adaptability: It can be harder to change an older pet’s routine or lifestyle, and they may take longer to adjust to new environments or living situations.
Less playful: Many older pets are less energetic, so they may not engage in as many playful activities or may not have the same high-energy personality as a younger pet.
Do you want a pet for life?
If pet ownership is on the horizon for you, the time to do your homework on all these factors and more is BEFORE you invite a companion animal into your home and family.
Fundamentally, companion animals are members of our family – when you become a pet owner, you need to be prepared to love and care for them for the remainder of their natural life. Many factors – outside of our control – can lead to relinquishment, but it’s important to approach this as a ‘forever’ commitment. Pets’ lives depend on it.
How you can help?
Donate today to help the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation (APWF) tackle the causes of pet homelessness, relinquishment and death in shelters and pounds.
