Animal Care

The Five Freedoms

As a responsible pet owner, you must provide your pet with the Five Freedoms:

1. Freedom from hunger or thirst

   
   Every animal must always have access to clean fresh water.  You must provide proper and sufficient food for good health and weight.
   
   

2. Freedom from discomfort and inadequate shelter

   
   Shelter must be weather proof, free from drafts, wind, rain and full sun. Dogs must be able to stand up and comfortably be able to turn around in their kennel. In the cold weather, pets need more care and attention. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, in fact most types of animals, you must make sure it is warm and comfortable.
   
   

3. Freedom from disease and injury

   
   Get prompt vet treatment if your animal is sick or injured. We recommend that your animal is kept up to date with their vaccinations, worming and flea treatments to help prevent them from getting sick. Also keeping their environment clean and free from any hazards can help to stop injuries and disease.
   
   

4. Freedom from distress and pain

   
   Always handle animals in a way that won’t injure or cause unreasonable pain or distress to the animal.
   
   

5. Freedom to display normal behaviour

   
   You are obligated to meet your animal's behavioural needs and provide an environment so they can display normal behaviour. Some good ways of doing this are adequate exercise, toys, scratching posts etc and an opportunity to play. Leaving a dog tied up for long periods is not acceptable. 

These freedoms are requirements under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and you may be prosecuted if you fail in your duty as a pet owner to provide them.

If you think you have a reason for letting your pet breed, the SPCA says it's time to reconsider. Have your pet desexed - there is no excuse not to.

Please pay a visit to your local SPCA if you are thinking of getting a pet, and meet some of the many lonely animals needing loving homes. An SPCA animal will always come desexed, microchipped, vet-checked, flea-treated and wormed.  Read on for some things to consider if you are thinking about getting a pet for the first time.

Does your dog bark incessantly? Read on to find out some reasons behind why this may be the case, and what you can do about it.