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Pets Are For LIfe
Pets Aren't Toys
They are important members of thousands of Australian families. A pet can be a joy but they are a big responsibility and theyare for life.
While the holiday period may seem like a good time to adopt a pet because the whole family has plenty of time to help them settle, it´s important to remember the festive season isn't your normal daily routine - it´s a special time of year - and your newest family member needs to be part of your everyday schedule with its school runs, soccer games, piano lessons, birthday parties and everything in between.
And please remember, never, ever buy a pet as a surprise.
Welcoming a pet into the household is a big decision and should be made by the whole family. If you do decide you have room for a pet in your life then consider adopting from an RSPCA shelter first, that way you are not only giving an animal a second chance but we can match you with the perfect pet for your family.
If you are planning to buy your children a pet please think long and hard first. Who will walk it, feed it, brush it, play with it, worm it, and take it to the vet? You also need to consider if you afford a pet? The estimated cost of keeping a dog is about $2500 per year while a cat is approximately $2100 per year taking ongoing expenses like vet bills, registration, insurance, annual vaccinations, worming, food, holiday boarding, training, bowls, collars, leads and so on into account.
Then there are the intellectual and emotional needs of your pet - love, attention and play.
Other things to consider include if you move will you be able to take it with you or if you go on holidays will you be able to arrange appropriate pet care?
Too often, the RSPCA is left with the aftermath of impulse purchases. Last year the RSPCA accepted 161,994 animals from the community. These are animals that were surrendered, abandoned, stray, neglected or abused. Our shelters worked hard to find new homes for as many as possible, but sadly, over 23,000 dogs and 43,000 cats had to be euthanased.
Please remember that pets aren't toys. They are a life-long commitment but given the chance, they will love you for life.
Pet Lifespans
Below is a list of approximate ages for some of the most popular animal companions:
- Mouse 3+yrs
- Cat 15+yrs
- Goat 10+yrs
- Goldfish 5+yrs
- Rabbit 5+yrs
- Love Bird 15+yrs
- Frog 4+yrs
- Ferret 6+ yrs
- Budgie 10+yrs
- Guinea Pig 5+ yrs
- Large Dog 10+yrs
- Hermit Crab 30+ yrs
- Small Dog 15+yrs
- Horse 20+yrs
- Cockatoo 50+yrs