Before you buy
Responsible pet ownership starts before you welcome an animal into your life. These handy guides will help you choose the right pet for your lifestyle.
What to consider before you buy a pet
Ready to take the next step? If you can confidently answer “yes” to the questions above, you’re one step closer to meeting your new best friend! View animals ready for...
The cost of owning a pet
From food, toys, and bedding to regular veterinary care, owning a pet comes with expenses that go well beyond the initial purchase or adoption fee. Understanding these costs upfront helps you plan for your pet’s needs and choose the right pet for you.
Responsible pet purchasing
When you adopt from RSPCA WA's shelter or another reputable animal rescue organisation, you give a displaced animal the life-changing gift of a place to call home and a family to love. Whether you choose to adopt or buy from a breeder, these guides will help you make the right choice for you and for animal welfare in WA.
Smart puppy or dog buying guide
If you’re looking for a new canine companion, this guide will help you bring home a happy and healthy puppy or dog. You’ll also be helping to prevent the sale of puppies from puppy farms or irresponsible breeders.
Smart kitten or cat buying guide
If you’re looking for a new feline family member, this guide will help you explore the ethical options available, with checklists to consider and questions to ask before you buy.
Adopting an animal
Adopting an animal brings all the love, companionship and rewards that come with buying a pet from a breeder, with one important difference – it gives an innocent animal the life-changing gift of a second chance and a loving home.
Responsible pet care
Most people want the very best for their pets, but animal neglect is not always intentional. Without the right information, pet owners can overlook important aspects of their pet’s care. By learning how to care for your pet responsibly, you can have confidence that you're giving your pet the love, care and support they need to thrive.
Caring for a dog
Your evidence-based guide to caring for a happy, healthy puppy or dog. Includes settling in, training, transportation, daily care needs, health needs, legal requirements and more.
Caring for a cat
Your evidence-based guide to caring for a happy, healthy kitten or cat. Includes daily care needs, health needs, cat containment, enrichment, legal requirements and more.
Caring for a horse
Your guide to responsible horse ownership. Learn about what horses need to experience good welfare, and how owners, carers and agistment providers can follow best practice horse care specific to the environment here in WA.
The RSPCA Knowledgebase
Search Australia’s most trusted source of animal welfare science, advice and information, including animal behaviour guidance, pet care FAQs and more than 700 expert articles.
