Pet Education



How to be a responsible pet owner 

Owning a pet can give your family years of fun. Please look after your pet so he or she lives a happy and healthy life.

Here are some tips on being a responsible pet owner:
 

Food and water

Give your pet regular meals and plenty of fresh water.  
Make sure your pet’s diet is well balanced.  
Wash your pet’s water and food bowl every time you fill them.

 

Provide a comfortable and dry sleeping area 
 
Ensure your pet has a cool place in which to lie, especially in summer. 

Exercise and care  

Supervise children and your pet when they are playing together. 
Teach your children responsibility towards their pet. 
Buy your dog a good leash and collar, and use it. 
Exercise your dog every day. 
Brush you dog regularly to remove tangles and to prevent matting of hair, particularly longhaired dogs. 
Bath your dog fortnightly or when necessary using a mild pure soap. Choose a warm day free from wind and dry your dog thoroughly. 
Animal faeces smell and can be dangerous to human health - do clean up after your pet.

 

Health  
 
Vaccinate your pet and make sure it receives annual boosters. Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus are killers. Consult your vet. 
Consult your vet about Heartworm. It’s a problem in dogs. 
Check your dog for ticks everyday - they can be fatal. Remove ticks using tweezers.

 

Containment  
 
Confine your dog to the property at all times, preferably in the backyard. Cats should be kept indoors at night time to protect wildlife and native animals.  
 


Council Requirements  
 
Registration of your dog with your local Council is required by law. It also provides the best form of identification should your pet be lost. 
Register your dog and make sure it wears its tag at all times, this may save its life. 
Advise Council if your dog changes owners or if there is a change of address. 
Ensure your cat wears an identification tag at all times.

 

De-sexing 

Dogs and cats not used for breeding should be de-sexed, preferably before six months old. 
Do not contribute to the over supply of dogs. De-sexing will make your dog healthier, more affectionate and home loving. 
 


Training  
 
Train your dog so it is not a nuisance to neighbours. Take it to training classes and stick at it. Once or twice is not enough. An untrained dog can be a general nuisance.

Holidays 
 
Ensure your pet is properly looked after when you are absent or go on holidays. If you do not have family or friends that can take on this responsibility use a registered boarding kennel or cattery. 
  

Some important tips 

Do not get a dog unless your property has a suitable enclosure. 
Do not let children torment your pet. 
Do not allow your pet to wander. 
Do not allow your dog to make excessive noise.

 

If your pet goes missing

If you own a dog or cat it is your responsibility to ensure that it is confined to your property.

You need to ensure that your fences and gates are adequate to prevent your dog from roaming, causing a nuisance in your neighbourhood, or possibly being hurt or hurting other animals or people.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your dog is kept under control when outside your property.