Choosing a pet and caring for it
Owning a pet can bring you many benefits, such as:
- companionship and affection
- loyalty
- responsibility and respect
- improved health and less stress.
Choosing the right pet for you and understanding your responsibilities are crucial.
Responsibilities
As a pet owner you should understand the laws for pet owners in Queensland.
Your responsibilities as a pet owner include:
- providing appropriate food, shelter and care
- registering your dog and cat in some council areas
- microchipping your cat or dog
- desexing to avoid unwanted litters
- safeguarding the welfare of breeding dogs and their puppies
- applying for permits (if needed)
- declaring existing ownership of prohibited dog breeds and surrendering them to council.
More information for dog owners
Choosing a pet
There is a lot for you to carefully consider before choosing a pet.
Think about whether you:
- have suitable accommodation
- have time to care for it
- can afford a pet now and, in the future
- can fit it into your lifestyle.
Other things to consider:
- make sure you get new kittens or puppies from a responsible owner or breeder
- find out if it has any special needs because if you keep it, you have a duty of care to provide for it
- consider adopting a pet from a reputable animal welfare organisation—the RSPCA has an adoption service
- only support responsible breeders.
Further information
- Australian Veterinary Association—pet ownership
- RSPCA Queensland—adopting an animal
- RSPCA Queensland—knowledge base (information about owning and caring for companion animals)
- Responsible dog ownership