Responsible Pet Ownership

Desexing

Did you know that cats can get pregnant from 4 months of age and can have up to 3 litters of kittens a year? Many of these kittens are ultimately euthanased in local impounding facilities because there is simply not enough homes for them in our community.

Although not compulsory, desexing of your pet is strongly recommended in the interest of your pet's well-being and the community.

Benefits of desexing your pet include:

• Reduced euthanasia rate of innocent unwanted animals
• Reduced anti-social behaviours such as spraying and yowling in cats and aggressiveness in dogs
• Reduced wandering (and the stress for the owner that goes with it) as your undesexed pet goes looking for a partner
  
• Reduced risk of (expensive) injuries resulting from cat/dog fights (as males in particular get territorial)
• Reduced risk of health problems such as various cancers in male and female dogs
• Reduced cost of registering your pet; from $150 to $40
• There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that a desexed pet makes a better companion.

If you would like to get your pet desexed but require financial assistance contact Council on 9840 9840 to find out about discount desexing opportunities.

Tips for Cat Owners

Your cat needs lots of love and affection, company, a regular supply of food and fresh drinking water as well as regular vet check ups (including vaccinations, worming and flea treatments). You can get more Information for Cat Owners as well as the following:

• Update the contact details kept on your pet's microchip
• At a minimum make sure that your cat/s are kept inside at night. This will protect your cat - which is more likely to be injured in fights and by cars at night - as well as native wildlife.
• Make sure your cat wears a collar with a name tag
• Make sure your cat wears a bell (or 2 or 3) on its collar
• If you have an indoor cat make sure it has enough stimulus during the day, like toys to play with... even leaving the radio on can help!
• Remember that cats can get pregnant from 4 months of age and can have up to 3 litters a year.
  

If your cat is missing there are things you can do to find your pet.

Tips for Dog Owners

Your dog needs lots of love and affection, company, a regular supply of food and fresh drinking water as well as regular vet check ups (including vaccinations, worming and flea treatments). Try the following, along with this Information for Dog Owners:

• Update the contact details kept on your pet's microchip
  
• Make sure your dog has enough to keep it occupied when you are not at home. This will minimise the risk of barking complaints as well as keeping your dog happy while you are not there
• Walk your dog daily; your dog should be excercised for at least half an hour per day
• When walking your dog it must always be on a leash and under effective control except when in a designated Off-Leash area
• Clean up after your pet has had a toilet break within your property and also when in public places
• Implement early behavioural training of your dog to influence traits such as;
  • Barking
  • Territorial boundaries
    
  • Socialising skills
    
• Make sure your dog wears a collar and tag with your contact details on it.

If your dog is missing there are things you can do to find your pet.