Before purchasing a pet, there are many important decisions to make and factors to consider. Are you committed to caring for your pet?
The average lifespan of a small dog is 11 years and for a cat it is 12 years. That's a big commitment to make and one that needs to be considered before you introduce a new pet to your home.
See Council's New Cat or Dog checklist for more information and the typical financial commitment involved with a new pet.
New Cat or Dog checklist (PDF, 1.0 MB)
Choosing the right breed
Whether you are choosing a cat, dog, fish or bird, it's important to purchase a breed that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you're not very active and you want to purchase a dog, you should choose a breed that does not require a large amount of exercise.
If you are choosing a bird and you live on a small block close to neighbours, you might not wish to buy a large loud bird like a cockatoo.
Avoid choosing a breed that is 'fashionable' as this can lead to unhappy outcomes for both you and the pet.
Remember, cute puppies can turn into 50 kg dogs requiring lots of space, food and attention.
Adopting a pet
The local AWLQ Animal Rehoming Centre is at 6 Hooper Street, West Ipswich. The Centre finds homes for all creatures great and small - strays, unwanted, injured, abandoned, neglected or abused - and provides a second chance to as many animals as possible.
To view animals currently available for adoption, please call into the shelter to meet them, or search online .
All animals in the AWLQ Animal Rehoming Centre have been thoroughly health checked and temperament tested before being offered up for adoption. They are all desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, worm and flea treated and are looking for a second chance at a happy and healthy life.
Animal cruelty
If you witness or are aware of incidence of animal cruelty, contact the RSPCA on telephone
(07) 3426 9999 or email them at cruelty_complaints@rspcaqld.org.au.