Being a responsible pet owner

Introduction

Owning a pet is a serious responsibility as you must care for it for its full life. 

You must not put an animal’s health and welfare at risk by failing to provide its basic needs. 

It is an offence if you breach your duty of care for an animal and you could face penalties for cruelty, neglect or for failing to help the suffering of an animal.

This guide has information on responsibilities for pet owners, what to do with you pet when you go on holiday and how to treat and prevent parasites in pets.


Buying a pet for Christmas

Before you buy a pet for Christmas make sure you can take care of it long term and think about what pet is best for you. 

You must consider all of the responsibilities of being a pet owner.

Think about all of the following before you buy a pet:

  • why you want a pet
  • time, space and energy you have for a pet
  • ongoing costs including vet care, registration and food.

Pet owner responsibilities

A new pet is exciting, but owning a pet long-term is a responsibility and it is important that you choose a pet that is right for your lifestyle, budget and home environment.

You must think about all of the following before you buy a pet:

  • if you can you take care of a pet its whole life
  • if you can afford a pet
  • if you have time to care for a pet
  • if anyone in your home has pet allergies
  • if your home is suitable for a pet.

Buying a pet means you have a duty of care to that animal. If you do not care for your animal you could face penalties for not providing the minimum level of care.

Pets for life

A dog's life can span between 10 and 15 years, while cats can live up to 20 years. 

During your pet's life you need to think about them each time you plan a holiday and when you move house. 

You need to think about your pet when your lifestyle changes eg: if you have children or decide to introduce other pets.

Costs

There are many costs involved with owning a pet. 

As a guide, the ongoing costs for a dog can easily add up to $1,500 each year and $750 for a cat. This is not including vet costs.

You should work out costs for all of the following items to see if you can afford a pet for life:

  • cost of a pet
  • vaccinations
  • identification - micro-chipping, identification tags
  • registration
  • de-sexing
  • basic food
  • fresh food
  • water and food containers
  • holiday care at home or in kennels
  • toys
  • vet checks and treatments
  • grooming - hair and nail cuts, dental fees, brushes
  • collars, leash, halters
  • buying and maintaining a bed, kennel, shelter, tank, outdoor run or stable
  • property fencing, gates
  • routine protection from ticks, worms and fleas
  • training costs
  • pet insurance.

Time needed for your pet

Different pets need different levels of care and attention. 

When choosing a pet, think about how much time you can give them every day. 

You need to give your pet time for all of the following:

  • food and water
  • exercise, attention and play
  • grooming
  • cleaning their living environment
  • training.

How suitable is your home

Think about your home now and in the future for the type of animal you want to buy. 

Rental or shared accommodation can make a difference.

You should discuss your intention to buy a pet with you landlord and housemates before committing.

Think about all of the following:

  • is your home is secure and large enough
  • a puppy may dig up your garden or chew your shoes
  • if the pet is going to be an indoor or outdoor animal, or both
  • if there is shelter from rain and heat while your pet is outside
  • if you have a pet already, how will this pet react to another pet.

Pet care if you are on holiday

If you are going away from home you need to work out who will be looking after your pet. 

You should choose one of the following care options: 

  • boarding kennels
  • house sitters
  • professional home care
  • reliable friends or neighbours
  • agistment centre.

You must look after you pet, even when you are on holiday. If you don't you could be facing a substantial fine under the Animal Welfare Act.

Many animals are left on their own and some can suffer from lack of food, water and basic care. Unsupervised pets are at risk of serious injury.


Ticks, worms and mange in pets

There are a number of health concerns and diseases that pet owners in the Northern Territory (NT) should know about.

These are often preventable through various treatments.

Parasites are endemic, debilitating diseases that can sometimes be passed on to humans.

Chances of this increase when there is close contact between the affected animal and humans, especially children.

Ticks

Ticks are a blood feeding parasite that can anchor to an animal or human.

Continuous infestations of ticks can cause irritation, infection, loss of vitality and life threatening anaemia.

Pets can be treated with dusts, dips or sprays. Treatment of the animal's home may also be needed.

Be careful removing ticks from animals as the wound can become infected.

To prevent ticks, groom pets regularly to check for parasites and help keep them away.

The animal's bedding and surrounding areas should be kept clean and be checked for items that can harbour ticks.

Ticks can transmit Ehrlichia canis bacteria to dogs resulting in ehrlichiosis disease.

Worms

Worms are intestinal parasites that can infect animals including dogs, cats, horses and humans. Worms are serious especially in dogs and horses.

Worms can be difficult to identify so see a vet for treatment.

All dogs, cats and horses need to be treated for worms on a regular basis to stop contraction.

Basic hygiene can help stop worms as some worms are transferred through contact with infected faecal matter.

Hookworm

This can lead to anaemia as the worm sucks blood from the inside of the small intestine, causing loss of iron and protein. Diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to puppies and kittens becoming dehydrated.

Hookworm infection should be treated as soon as possible.

Roundworm

This can affect animals and humans. It lives mainly in the small intestine of the host and absorbs nutrients from food the animal eats. This interferes with digestion and causes pneumonia. Roundworms also cause anaemia.

Heartworm

This infects animals through a mosquito bite.

Adult heartworms live in the heart of the host animal where they can live for several years, eventually killing the animal through congestive heart failure.

Once infected, treatment can be difficult and uncomfortable so it is best to use a regular preventative medication.

Tapeworm

Often this doesn't have obvious symptoms.

It can cause hydatid cysts, which can be very serious for humans. Regular preventative de-worming of animals, especially dogs, is essential.

Mange

Mange is a microscopic mite that attaches under the fur of the animal.

Depending on the type of mange, bathing with medicated shampoo may be enough to keep mild infestations in check. Antibiotics may be needed.

To prevent mange, the first defence is to keep the pet's natural immune system working effectively by taking care of its overall health and fitness.

Demodectic mange

This is a commonly occurring mite that causes problems when the animal's natural immune system is weakened due to extreme stress or malnutrition.

It can cause mild irritation, hair loss and secondary infection. This type of mange is not normally transmitted to humans.

Sarcoptic mange (scabies)

This is a highly contagious scabies mite that burrows into the skin and causes intense itching, crusting, hair loss and infection.

Start treatment quickly and include isolating the affected animal and thoroughly cleaning its bedding.

This type of mange can be transmitted to humans and other types of animals.

Cheyletiella mange

This is highly contagious and, although not a burrowing mite, it may infect humans and animals.

In dogs, this type of mange causes mild itching and looks like dandruff.

Treatment often needs a topical pesticide appropriate to the animal.


Animals in cars

You must not leave your animals in a parked car, even with the windows open. 

A rise in temperature can cause dehydration and blood thickening, leading to brain damage, vital organ failure and even death. 

An animal can be affected by heat stroke in six minutes.

You should leave your animal at home with access to shade and water.

If your animal is left in a parked vehicle and it suffers injury or death you can be charged under the Animal Welfare Act. 

The fine can be very substantial and you could be facing two years imprisonment.

Animal Welfare inspectors have the right to enter your vehicle to rescue any animal.

Signs of heat stroke

To tell if an animal is suffering heat stroke, look for any of the following signs:

  • high body temperature above 39 degrees
  • quick and regular panting
  • distressed and agitated behaviour
  • weakness and muscle tremors
  • convulsions (seizures) or collapsing.

How to help an animal with heat stroke

If you notice any of the signs of heat stroke, treat the animal by gradually bringing the body temperature down. 

You can try any of the following ways to help the animal:

  • offer small amounts of cool, not cold, water
  • gently wet the animal's coat using a hose or other shower-like apparatus
  • place a cool, wet towel over the animal in front of a fan
  • place the animal in an air conditioned environment
  • apply a covered ice pack to the groin area

Never offer iced water or ice to a animal as this can worsen the heat stroke.

Once the animal is cooled consult a vet for a check-up and make sure the car is kept cool.


Transporting your pet

If you’re transporting your pet on the back of your ute on a public road, you must secure them so they can’t fall.

Under the Animal Protection Act 2018, you will be committing an offence if you don’t.

In Australia, around 5000 dogs each year are injured or killed from falling.

Find out how to transport your dog properly by watching the video below.