Companion animals

Issues to consider before acquiring a cat or dog

The following are some of the issues you should consider before deciding to acquire a Companion Animal:

Changes in your life which may influence your willingness or ability to keep the animal. These may include extended overseas travel, having children, changing homes to a place not suited to animals, change of jobs, financial security or ongoing ability to exercise the animal.
Are you willing to care for the animal for the lifetime of the animal?
Are you willing to regularly exercise the animal to minimise boredom related problems?
Can you afford the ongoing costs such as purchase, vaccination, registration, microchipping, veterinarian accounts, food and upkeep?
Will your partner or family be committed to keeping the animal?
How big is the place where you live? Has it got an adequate exercise area?
If your yard fenced? Have you got particularly sensitive neighbours?
How big an animal should you acquire?
What are the needs of the individual breed? Is it susceptible to certain health problems which could be costly? Is it likely to want a lot, or little exercise? Is it likely to be aggressive? Are they good with children?
Do you live near sensitive bushland or native species habitat?
Is this just a fad? Do you really want the Commitment?
Has it been microchipped yet, and what will be the cost?
If you already have animals, do you have enough space for another one?

The following publications are published by the Department of Local Government.

Dealing with barking dogs
NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change